In any circumstance

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Demssew Tsega Abebe was an elite professional marathon runner in Ethiopia with a promising future (expected to be on the Olympic team) until attending, what he thought was, a peaceful protest in December, 2015. In a crowd of thousands, Abebe was singled out and tortured - his heels and feet so severely lashed he couldn't run. Shortly after the beating, he was scheduled to run in the Houston Marathon. Barely able to walk, he boarded the plane to Texas anyway with his team. But instead of running the marathon, he stayed and applied for asylum in the United States and waited for the day his family could join him. That day finally came yesterday when they were reunited, with Demssew saying, "I am so happy. I thank God."

And when it comes to being thankful, the Bible is very clear that it is "God's will" for believers to “be thankful in all circumstances." But that doesn't mean we are to be thankful for all circumstances my friend. You see, since evil doesn’t come from God, we shouldn't thank Him for it. But... since God promised to be with us through all circumstances and to bring good from all circumstances, you and I can and should be thankful in all circumstances.

And you know, because Abebe stayed faithful through the toughest of “circumstances”, good did come from his situation. He now runs without any pain, has continued to protest in support for the Oromo people and was described by the D.C. Mayor as, "a wonderful role model for people around the world." All because he remained thankful.

Heavenly Father, help us to see how easy our lives actually are in comparison to those who don't have the same freedoms we have. Help us to always be appreciative and to say "Thank you God" in any circumstance that we might be in, knowing that your promises are true and we have so much to be thankful for. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Thank You - 33 Miles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD1H29Ps8l8