The Weekly Encourager – March 27, 2014 – First World Problems

What happens when a Christian prays for a more thankful heart? My week has been challenging, and it's only half over! Our boiler heat system has been acting up, leaving us cold for several hours at a time, including overnight during snow storms. My car has been starting or not starting, as if by caprice. It's now in the shop for the fourth time in six days. There's been trouble getting the medication I need, and I've been “on hold” waiting to resolve several business issues. The lack of heat at home and the lack of a car to go elsewhere has added to the difficulty. In addition, some extended family issues as well as some church questions are requiring wisdom and careful action on my part. Yet, despite constant temptation not to be thankful, I'm still trying to put into practice what I'm reading about gratitude. I know that I must thank the Lord for all things, even those that try my patience.

Last week a friend said she was “dealing with a string of everyday equipment failures—microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range, automobile turn signal, etc.” and now there were some major problems with her water system [they have a well] necessitating replacement of multiple pieces of equipment at great expense. She and her husband were without water for several periods of time. I confess I wasn't very sympathetic to her situation then [sorry, Debbie], and now it's happening to me!

One of the things that enables me to thank God even for these aggravations is remembering that most of these are First World problems. In other words, my heat may be out during a freezing cold week, but I still have a house to get out of the wind! I have plenty of clean clothes to wear and warm quilts to snuggle under, and plenty of food to eat. We are blessed to be employed, meaning we can find the money to get our heat repaired, so we have the hope of heat in the near future. A vast number of the world's inhabitants would be happy to have our well-built brick home during a snow storm, even without any hope of heat! Most folks in the world would be glad to get the clothes in my closets or have the use of my car or money for groceries. [Am I being generous with the wealth that God has placed in my hands?]

Above and beyond all my First World blessings is the knowledge that I am forgiven for my sins, and yes, those sins have been more evident in my life this week! It seems I don't deal well with “equipment failures” and “human error.” I especially don't like being cold. Clearly, I am too much of a wimp for God to have placed me in a Third World country. As we approach the traditional time for celebrating Christ's resurrection, I have been thinking how glad I am for God's great mercy. I was worthy of death, but He chose to give me life! Also, Jesus' suffering on the cross was rewarded. He endured and He rose from the dead, receiving the crown of life. This has been a great comfort as I watch friends and family members die. Some have endured great physical suffering at the end, yet they ended up in heaven, a place of perfect health and joy. Third, knowing that Jesus was tempted in every way that I am, yet still managed to be obedient and thankful to God, helps me in my own petty problems.

“What a wonderful God we have – he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB

“For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us.” - Hebrews 2:17-18 TLB

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12 NASB

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10 NASB

Thank You, Thank You, Lord! Crown Him with many crowns!

God is faithful,