I read a story last week about a Christian woman in a Muslim country. Persecution was a normal part of her life. One night a group of men set fire to her house. She and her daughter escaped, but everything they owned was destroyed.

I’m sure there must have been some sadness for the loss, but she didn’t talk about that. She talked about thankfulness. She explained how she praised God for saving them even as the flames rose. She trusted that God knew what He was doing and that He was working everything out for her good.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

The secret to thankfulness in all circumstances is remembering who is in charge of our circumstances. God doesn’t cause the bad that happens in our fallen world, but nothing can happen unless He allows it. So will we trust Him enough to endure a burning house or a sickness or a heartbreak?

He knows what is best for us. He wants what is best for us. And by His power He is providing what is best for us. It doesn’t always look like best to us. But that’s ok. He’s smarter than us.