Give Thanks in All Things

Have you ever gone through a tragedy or loss and, looking back, realized you would not change a thing?

That may sound strange to ask, but I have lived that truth and I would not change a thing.

I want to encourage you to trust God through all things, even the hard things. Even the moments that take your breath away or make you cry so deeply that your palms ache.

It was July 27, 1993. I had just finished an eight-hour workday and was resting for a few minutes before running errands. My two oldest boys were preparing to go to Colorado for a large Pathfinder gathering, and they needed batteries for their flashlights.

After a short rest, I headed to the Dollar Store, to pick some up. They did not carry batteries at the time, so I got back in my car and started toward Walmart.

As I changed lanes, I looked toward the southwest part of town and froze. Against a clear blue hot July sky was a massive mushroom cloud of smoke. It looked as if a bomb had gone off.

That still, small voice inside said, "Go home."

I changed lanes again and headed toward my house. The closer I got, the faster my heart pounded. Could it possibly be my home? I thought of my four children who were there.

When I reached my neighborhood, the street was blocked by fire trucks, cars, and onlookers. I parked two blocks away and ran. Flames leapt above rooftops. It was my home, fully engulfed in fire!

People were sitting in lawn chairs watching it burn. Others stood silently, staring. One man was filming. It felt surreal, like watching a movie.

I cried out, “No! No! Dear God, no!”

A neighbor rushed over and told me the children were safe at another house. I can still feel the relief.

Soon friends and family arrived, drawn by the smoke, only to find it was my home in flames.

Fire officials later said a window air conditioner in the master bedroom had overheated. The breaker failed to trip, and when the curtains caught fire, it spread to the ceiling. The police chief called it “the hottest house fire in recent Grants Pass history.” Flames shot a hundred feet into the air. Within minutes, everything was gone except the stucco exterior walls.

It had been a large, 2,400-square-foot ranch-style home. Whenever a tenant moved out, the owner would oil the wooded ceiling and walls to keep the wood fresh. It was a tinder box, and it burned to the ground in less than ten minutes.

I had one good cry over losing everything, and then I began to count my blessings. All four of my children were safe. Even our cat made it out.

I realized if the fire had happened at night, the outcome could have been tragic. God’s mercy was all over us that day.

And then, He showed His goodness through our community.

Donations poured in, enough to furnish an entire three-bedroom home. A woman even called the radio station where I worked and said, “I have a rental on Gaffney Way becoming available in a couple of weeks. It’s yours if you want it.”

We stayed with my grandparents until the new home was ready. God provided everything we needed, and not one single duplicate item!

As Philippians 4:19 reminds us,

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

One couple gave us a brand-new couch and loveseat they didn’t like. Others brought a recliner, a rocking chair, a dining table, kitchenware, linens, and décor.

One woman apologized for her donation, a backseat full of houseplants. She said, “I know this isn’t typical, but I felt impressed to bring them.” I cried. I love plants, and I had lost many that I had cared for years. It was the perfect gift.

My Bunco group furnished my kitchen with spices and tin foil and plastic wrap and canned goods.

God used that fire, and that community, to remind me that He provides in miraculous ways.

It was strange, setting up a new home with things that had never been mine before. But we began again. And truly, I would not change a thing.

Every day, as I drove past that burnt shell of a house, I would sing,

“God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me.”

We are told to give thanks in all things, not just the good things, but all things.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

When we give thanks, we are showing God, and others, that we trust Him. We are saying, “I know You are in control, and I believe this will work for Your purpose.”

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NKJV

If you are in the middle of a trial, overwhelmed and unsure of what is next, trust Him. Say it out loud, “I trust You, Father.” Tell Him you know He sees you. Ask Him to increase your faith.

“…‘Increase our faith.’” Luke 17:5 NKJV

And never forget His promise,

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV