I wonder… how many things has God PREVENTED and we should be thankful they didn’t happen? I know, odd question… but still worth considering. By definition what God prevents cannot be known because they didn’t happen. Only in glory will it be possible to find out what didn’t happen that if it had would have been a tragedy. Then there is the possibility God could reveal not only what didn’t happen, but how if what didn’t happen had happened how the event would have impacted events and people in an untold number of ways.
Think of it this way: What IF one of Hitler’s assassins had been successful? What IF Oswald’s rifle had misfired? What IF the passengers of Flight 93 had not been successful in stopping the terrorists on 9/11? What IF… what IF… what IF?
Only IF God intervenes to prevent events is he greater than Satan (Mt 12:28-29). In keeping with this idea, I am thankful God acts to prevent foolish conduct in keeping with His wisdom (Genesis 20:3-6). To continue this thought, God’s sovereign providence in life events is clearly supported by what He proclaims in Isaiah 46:9-11…
I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
I wonder… what do we need to be thankful to God for preventing?