Thanking God for Traffic

Is it twisted and morbid to thank God for traffic?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in every circumstance.  Paul the Apostle had already exhorted us to rejoice in suffering (Romans 5:3).  Accordingly, Romans 8:28 comforts us with the words: "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."  God does all things for his glory and our good.

But what about traffic??

For Jesus' followers the events of life are not random, they are lovingly choreographed by the Lord.  Whether health or sickness, prosperity or pain, God is in control.  And he is good.  And he makes all things work together for good for his children.

So traffic is good?  What about cancer, then?

The Bible does not suggest that annoyances like traffic or diseases like cancer are good, but Romans 8:28 says that God uses them for good in your life.  Further, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 will not allow us merely to endure annoyances or sicknesses, but calls us to give thanks to God for them.

Sound irresponsible and reckless?

I cannot imagine thanking God for cancer if not for Christianity's unswerving focus on the future life.  This life is preparation for real life.  Christians are to life for the next life.  We have bet it all on eternity.

This future orientation to our faith transforms the purpose of this life.  Instead of scrambling for affluence, ease and comfort, we entrust ourselves to a sovereign God who may bring us riches or financial struggle, ease or labor, comfort or pain.

If this is correct, our thankfulness will become a measure of our trust in God.  I'm not just spewing platitudes.  As I write, I'm facing a problem with one of my children that makes me want to break things.  This is where Christianity becomes an offense and a stumbling block.

If God works all things together for our good, then cursing traffic might just equate to atheism.  It implies that we think the traffic is random.  But if we believe that God works all things together for our good, then he works all things.  Then all things are from him, including what you think are problems.

So thank God for your problems, he put them there.