I don't know about anyone else, but the cancellation of services this past weekend was really very upsetting for me.  Not only was I anticipating the new mini-series about Christmas but I really wanted to hear the two children's choirs that worked so hard to perform for us.  It wasn't until I looked outside and saw the cause of the county-wide cancellation of services, did I see the purpose in it.  In the midst of the sacrifice of so many morning services we had an opportunity to truly give praise. 

You've heard the song, "we bring the sacrifice of praise" but it would be a shame to let the significance of those words remain as just another verse in a pretty, church song.  Offering praise is our way of showing our humility and appreciation for the blessings God has given us.   But what is a sacrifice of praise?  Praising our Lord and savior isn't a sacrifice; it's an honor, right?  Of course it is but the sacrifice isn't in praising God when life is swell.  The sacrifice is in praising God even when we don't want to; and even more so when He denies us what we want.  It's in that time that we prove the kind of follower we truly are.  Do we deny Him when we feel like pouting and honor him only when He treats us like the spoiled child who receives just what he wants?  NEVER!  We should feel peace knowing that sacrifice is always followed by blessing.  We are blessed by the sacrifice of the crucifixion and God blesses us when He sees our joy no matter our circumstances.  The Bible is filled with the history of men and women suffering many horrors in life but never failing to praise God for the good in their lives.  God never fails to bless those who faithfully love Him.  We may not see the blessing immediately but His timing is always perfect.  We cannot fathom God's timetable because we simply don't have the capacity to think and see the way He does, but it's there and it never fails us.

And, sometimes we do see His purpose in His denying of things we want.  This past Sunday one of those purposes became very clear.  How many lives were saved by staying close to home that day?  Who was on the road who shouldn't have been and who didn't get on the road at that same time?  Who still has all their bones intact because they didn't try to walk on the icy sidewalks?  Do you get it?  Do you see the divine mercies provided with such simplicity?  Praise Him even in the sacrifices and live with joy even if you are not happy.  The difference is in your reaction, not your circumstance.