Stop, Drop & Thank!

Over the years I’ve attended a number of fire safety trainings on my job. The trainers instructed us that if our clothing were to catch on fire we should stop, drop and roll to extinguish the flames. We can adopt this same premise when we find ourselves swept into the flames of adversity.

Have you ever felt like the heat of your circumstances were about to consume you? Do you find yourself engulfed in an inferno of problems? What do you do to extinguish the flames of a fiery situation be it a chronic condition, family issues or mounting debt? All too often our natural response is to complain and/or take matters into our own hands. Although contrary to our human nature, thankfulness during times of trial can shift your focus from the problem to the Provider while still in the midst of turmoil.

The Bible says we’re to give thanks “in” everything (I Thessalonians 5:18). It’s in the heat of your situation that thankfulness captures God’s attention. In Daniel 3:23 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego “fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.” At first glance, their fall appeared to seal their demise. On the contrary, it placed them in a posture of worship and ushered Jesus into their situation (Daniel 3:25). What the enemy designed to destroy them proved to be the catalyst for their liberation and elevation (Daniel 3:30).

Thankfulness is a form of worship. Psalm 69:30 says we’re to magnify God with thanksgiving. Doing so enlarges God over our circumstances. I admit it can be difficult to be thankful when all hell breaks loose. Psalm 116:17 says we’re to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Being thankful isn’t something we’re naturally inclined to do; yet the Bible admonishes us to do so (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Although you may find yourself experiencing trying times, the Lord is not about to allow the heat of your trials to destroy you. Jesus knows how much heat you can stand. Victory is embedded in the heat of your problem. If God allowed you to experience the heat, it’s because He knows you can take it. He’s working to perfect something in you through the trial. God is coming to your rescue. Expect Him to show up on your behalf and thank Him in advance for your breakthrough.

When I look back over my life, I realize I have too much to be thankful for to complain about what I don’t have, or what isn’t to my liking. Thankfulness puts me in a posture of worship and invites Jesus into my situation.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, begin to reflect on all that God has done for you, the ways He’s made, and the doors He’s opened. A thankful heart summons Jesus’ presence.

So, the next time your find yourself being overwhelmed by the trials of life, stop, drop and thank God for everything He’s already done. Then watch the Lord move on your behalf! As a matter of fact, take some time right now to stop, drop and thank!

Until Next Time… Be blessed!

Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations

About Rev. Cynthia Jackson

Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.