When Life Kicks You in the Teeth: Trusting God's Unseen Plan

 Life has a way of throwing curveballs that leave us reeling, doesn't it? Those moments when everything seems to be humming along just fine, only to hit a snag that feels like a swift kick in the teeth. I've been there recently, and while it's frustrating, it's also a reminder of a profound truth from Scripture: "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Today, I want to share my story not as a "poor me" tale, but as a testament to how God weaves His purpose into even the most aggravating circumstances.

A little background on where I'm at in life: Due to health issues and company cutbacks, I'm working a reduced part-time schedule—just 10 hours a week. It doesn't add up to much financially, but the benefits make it sustainable. I've always been practical about my needs, including transportation. Up until recently, I had two vehicles to rely on. My trusty 2001 Dodge Ram is a workhorse. It's got that old 318 motor in it—they call it a 5-point-something these days, but at its core, it's solid and dependable. It'll run until it explodes, no matter what I throw at it.

Then there's my second vehicle, a 2011 Dodge with a little six-cylinder engine. I bought it a year or two ago, but it's been giving me grief off and on since day one. About four months ago, I pulled into a gas station, filled it up, and it wouldn't start again. I figured maybe I'd gotten some bad fuel, so I had it towed home. I tinkered with it for a while and eventually got it running, but it just wasn't right. It would fire up, run for a couple of minutes, and then die. On the road at higher speeds, it seemed fine—maybe a slight miss—but nothing major.

Frustrated, I finally took it to my mechanic. He's a gem: quick, honest, and reasonably priced—qualities that are so hard to find these days. It sat in his shop for a few days, and then I got the call. "There's nothing I can do," he said, "short of replacing the motor." Turns out, it had dropped a valve and torn up the number two cylinder. The truck itself looks great, with a solid transmission and suspension, but without a working engine, it's basically a glorified lawn ornament. The estimate? Between $4,000 and $6,000—just about what I paid for it originally. I can't justify sinking that kind of money into it, given my current finances.

In that moment, the frustration hit hard. Why now? Why this? But here's where faith steps in. I'm a firm believer that we are called to give thanks in *everything* that happens in our lives—not just the good stuff. God doesn't allow anything without a purpose, even if we can't see it right away. As the verse reminds us, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." It's not about pretending the setback doesn't sting; it's about trusting that He's got a plan far bigger than my broken-down Dodge.

Right now, my options are limited: Sell it for scrap or to someone willing to invest in a new motor. But I have no doubt that God has me in this. I've long ago given up trying to figure out His plans on my own—they're always better than anything I could orchestrate. Maybe this is nudging me toward simplicity, or opening the door to something unexpected. Whatever it is, I'm choosing gratitude over grumbling.

 Expanding on Biblical Gratitude: Examples from Scripture

In my above reflection on trusting God's plan amid life's frustrations, I leaned heavily on 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." This verse isn't just a nice sentiment—it's a call to cultivate gratitude even when circumstances are tough. To deepen our understanding, let's explore some powerful examples of gratitude from the Bible. These stories and figures demonstrate thankfulness in various forms: from joyful praise in good times to steadfast trust during suffering. They remind us that gratitude isn't contingent on perfect conditions but on recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness.

1. Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving (1 Samuel 1-2)

Hannah, barren and heartbroken, poured out her soul to God, vowing to dedicate her child to Him if He granted her a son. When God answered with the birth of Samuel, Hannah didn't just quietly rejoice—she offered a profound prayer of gratitude. In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, she exclaims, "My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high." This wasn't mere relief; it was deep, worshipful thanks that acknowledged God's power over her deepest pain. Hannah's story shows us intentional gratitude—taking time to verbalize thanks after a long season of waiting.

It's a model for us when God turns our mourning into dancing, reminding us to give thanks not just for the gift but for the Giver.

2. The Samaritan Leper Who Returned (Luke 17:11-19)

Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—came back to thank Him. Falling at Jesus' feet, he praised God in a loud voice. Jesus noted, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" This man's gratitude stood out because it was immediate and humble, recognizing the miracle's source amid social exclusion (as a Samaritan and leper). It highlights "intentional thankfulness," especially in suffering or marginalization.

 In our own lives, this challenges us to pause and return thanks, even when others move on, fostering a heart that sees God's hand in every healing or breakthrough.

3. David's Psalms of Praise (Various Psalms, e.g., Psalm 100)

King David, often called a man after God's own heart, exemplified gratitude through his psalms. Despite facing betrayal, exile, and loss, he frequently turned to thanks. In Psalm 100:4-5, he urges, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever." David's gratitude wasn't naive; it flowed from trials like fleeing from Saul or mourning Absalom. He praised God for deliverance, provision, and steadfast love.

This teaches us "humble thankfulness" in all seasons—using gratitude as a weapon against despair, just as David did in his songs.

4. Jesus' Example of Trusting Gratitude (Multiple Instances, e.g., John 6:11, Matthew 26:27)

Jesus Himself is our ultimate model of gratitude. Before feeding the 5,000, He "took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated" (John 6:11). Even at the Last Supper, knowing betrayal and crucifixion loomed, He gave thanks for the bread and cup symbolizing His broken body and blood (Matthew 26:26-27).

This "trusting thankfulness" shows gratitude rooted in faith, not circumstances. Jesus thanked the Father amid scarcity and suffering, trusting the greater plan. For us, especially in "kick in the teeth" moments like a broken vehicle or health struggles, this invites us to thank God preemptively, believing He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).

5. Paul's Thankful Heart in Adversity (Philippians 1:3-6, 4:6)

Imprisoned and facing death, the Apostle Paul wrote letters brimming with gratitude. In Philippians 1:3, he says, "I thank my God every time I remember you," expressing thanks for the church's partnership despite his chains. He advises in 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Paul's gratitude was humble and persistent, turning potential bitterness into joy. Alongside Silas, he even sang hymns of thanks while in stocks (Acts 16:25). This exemplifies gratitude as a discipline, helping us reframe trials—like financial limitations—as opportunities to depend on God's provision.

 6. Job's Steadfast Praise Amid Loss (Job 1:21)

After losing his wealth, children, and health, Job declared, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21).

His gratitude wasn't denial of pain but submission to God's wisdom. Job's story illustrates thanksgiving in the depths of suffering, emerging with restored blessings and deeper faith. It encourages us to bless God's name regardless, echoing the call to give thanks in everything.

 7. Miriam's Joyful Dance and Song (Exodus 15:20-21)

After God parted the Red Sea and delivered the Israelites from Egypt, Miriam—sister of Moses—led the women in dance and song: "Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.". Her exuberant gratitude celebrated God's miraculous intervention. This communal expression of thanks reminds us that gratitude can be joyful and shared, strengthening faith in community during or after trials.

These examples span joy, suffering, and everyday faith, all pointing to the transformative power of gratitude. As we face our own challenges, let's draw from them to cultivate a thankful heart. Remember, giving thanks isn't about ignoring pain—it's about trusting God's unseen plan, just as these biblical figures did. 

If you're facing your own "kick in the teeth" moment—whether it's a job loss, health scare, or something as mundane as a vehicle breakdown—take heart. Lean into that Scripture. Give thanks, not because the situation is ideal, but because God's will is at work in it. He's faithful, and His ways are higher than ours. What's your story of trusting God through the tough times? I'd love to hear it in the comments.

Keep the faith, friends. Better days are part of the plan.

DMMC 

1-5-25