Two Miles to Thanksgiving

God is in every circumstance!

There is nothing better than a horseback ride after a long hard week. I decided to ride by myself through the country side and I found myself singing terribly off key songs to my beloved horse, Raise Your Dreams. He did not care, he was being ridden by me, his absolute most favorite human in the whole world.

I allowed the reins to slip through my hands and I was barely holding them with one hand. We heard a crash through the woods and a man appeared out into the open. His dishelved appearance and look on his face revealed a character that was not friendly but evil. My horse did what he does best- spun.

Whack! I hit the ground with the very shoulder that had just been surgically repaired for my torn rotator cuff. I could only feel excruciating pain. I laid on the ground writhing. My horse stood over me and made threatening gestures. I told the man that my horse would attack him, and with that he left.

I got up and my arm dangled limply by my side. I just had the clearance to ride and now I had undone surgery and months of physical therapy. I was mad!

I am ashamed to admit it- but mad at God.

“How could you allow me to fall? You are God! You could have prevented this!” I was screaming through my tears. My horse followed me, lowering his head. He was upset too.

“How can I thank you? For what? A fall? How am I supposed to be thankful in EVERYTHING?”

We were two miles away from the barn. It was a good thing. I needed that time to wrestle with God.

Once in the barn, I untacked my horse with one arm. I stood in the aisle, lonely, ashamed at my reaction to this fall. I was upset for yeling at God.

Then I heard an internal voice that was God, “I could have broken your neck!”

Once this realization hit me, I started to praise the LORD like never before!  It took two miles to walk back to the barn.  Within those two miles I had learned that being thankful in every circumstance is not easy, but necessary!  God is always doing His best for us and our circumstances.

Later I realized that God had used the circumstance to show His healing power and might.  He miraculously healed me in the hospital, witnessed by many doctors and nurses!

GOD’S Word says, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Have you ever been in a circumstance that seemed to break your heart and spirit?  Then God turned it all around and you were full of thanksgiving!  Please share- it encourages all that read it!!