by Marilynn Chadwick

Just why thanksgiving has the power to transform a difficult situation is something of a mystery. When someone gives thanks in the Bible, you often find a miracle close by. Jesus gave thanks before he broke the five loaves and two fish to feed the five thousand. He lifted his eyes to heaven before he called the four-day-dead Lazarus to come forth from his tomb.

Yesterday, I talked about the forty long days visiting my sister in the hospital trauma ward and how I found myself waking up each morning, wrestling for hope. Her serious head injury after a fall had resulted in emergency surgery and an uncertain prognosis. She had lost all movement, all cognition. Doctors thought she had suffered a massive stroke and may never regain consciousness. Exhausted that night, I left to go home.

The next morning, I woke up, again desperate for hope. On the way to the hospital, I called to mind the promises of Philippians 4:6-7: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

When I arrived at the hospital, I pulled into the usually jam-packed parking lot. Instead of the usual long search for a spot, I noticed an empty parking space right next to the front door. The security guard greeted me with unusual kindness. Then, as I walked into my sister's room, I learned the MRI had revealed no massive stroke as we feared the night before. What's more, a doctor came by and administered a new medicine. Within a few seconds, there were signs of life and a brief recognition on my sister's part. The doctor said this was a good sign. A glimmer of hope. Later that day, she regained consciousness.

I can't explain why, but gratitude also brought me an unexplainable peace, even during the uncertainties of her difficult months of rehab. My sister eventually lost her battle and went home to be with Jesus, where she is forever free from suffering.

But God knows what he is doing, and his word tells me not to worry, to pray, and to give thanks. God's peace truly passes understanding.

Let's face it. Life on planet Earth is full of dark and difficult moments when things don't make sense. But even those places can become opportunities to take God at his Word. It's not like Jesus didn't warn us: "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]" (John 16:33 AMP).