Thanksgiving helps us be prepared for difficult times ahead.

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15

Grace causes thanksgiving, and thanksgiving glorifies God.

What are you thankful for about your job? What about for your company?  When does the work you do create thanksgiving for you and others?

You might think this verse comes after a list of many good things in life. There are such lists in the Bible (like Psalm 103:1-5), but 2 Corinthians 4 is not one of them.

Instead, the passage describes some of our worst experiences: physical afflictions, confusion, dissolution, personal attacks, and spiritual suffering (2 Cor. 4:8-11).

That list may better fit what you are dreading in the weeks ahead. So how do we get from there to grace extending to “increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God” (2 Cor. 4:15)?

Life after death

The death and resurrection of Jesus prove that God can, and ultimately will, bring good out of suffering. If we believe Christ died for us, that promise is at work in us and displayed in our lives (2 Cor. 4:12).

Work is hard, but good things come from it.

Your work is an illustration of that truth. Work is hard, but good things come from it. Companies are a way we bring our work together to improve many people’s lives. That is a form of common grace which brings glory to God.

Be Prepared

Don’t lose sight of that grace in the days to come. Prepare for what’s ahead by making a list of all the ways God shows you his grace through your work and gives grace to others through your employer.

Then be prepared to speak up. When you are reminded of that grace, find a way to say it (2 Cor. 4:13). You may not have the opportunity to connect that thankfulness to the gospel, but God sees your heart, and others will notice your gratitude.

Thankfulness honors God. And God uses our words to accomplish his work of reconciliation in the world. Go into the challenge ahead prepared to give thanks.