If you look around, there are many things to be thankful for. The beauty of life, the ability to bless others, for all of God’s promises, for the simple yet meaningful things of life that often go overlooked. But until you get your focus off of the negative, your vision will be blocked from seeing the positive. And until you see the positive, you will not see the abundant life God is trying to lead you to. Negative vision stirs negative results, every time. Positive vision stirs up the vision God has for your life, every time.

Yeah, it may be tough when a storm comes your way, you weren’t expecting. Maybe you don’t know what to do and are overwhelmed with fear. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. God is with you every step of the way, walking with you in the midst of the darkness. (Psalm 23:4) You can rest in Him knowing He will provide. When you are in confusion, you shall not fear, He knows exactly what to do and He will guide you every step of the way. Even though his timing is not your timing and that can cause frustration, imagine when Jesus was writing in the sand when he confronted the adulterous woman in John 8. At such a time of distress and eagerness, Jesus calmly knelt down to draw in the sand before speaking. His words did not come immediately, but when they did, they caused the woman to be released from the storm she was in. God is always at work within the storm and when the time is right, you shall be set free.
So next time you are faced with a storm, look around at all there is to be thankful for. Praise God and be thankful in the midst of the storm. It is not the storm you are serving so do not give your attention and focus to the storm. You are serving the great and almighty God who is sovereign over all storms so give your attention and focus to Him Who is able and willing to bring you out 100x stronger!
I am most thankful for my God-given ability to love other’s unconditionally. What are you most thankful for?
Ashley Fordinal is the Children’s Church volunteer at Family Life Church in Sulphur Springs, TX.