As we get closer and closer to the day that we set aside each year(Wow, one whole day! That is SO Big of us! There is a whole blog series just on that, but for another time), it would seem that it should get easier and easier to GIVE THANKS!

But I am embarrassed to say, that for me, it feels harder and harder!

I have no idea what kind of a “SEASON” you are right now, or have been, going through in your life. For me, it has been one of the most difficult and long-lasting, seasons I have ever found myself in!  I have cried out, even screamed out, to God over and over to PLEASE bring it to an end. But to this day, He has not yet completed whatever it is I need to endure, so on it continues!

So, I start out this beautiful season of Fall and Thanksgiving with great hope and joy and before I know it, the heaviness that wears on me due to my circumstances, tries to kill and destroy it!  How do I fight it? Do I throw my hands up in the air and give into it, or do I lift up my head and look to the One who deserves all my Thanksgiving?

Why? Because in giving thanks to God, I am made whole, regardless of my circumstances!

TRUTH BOMB

THANKSGIVING MAKES US WHOLE!

One of the stories in the Bible that proves this point is the story of Jesus encountering the ten lepers. Jesus is with His disciples on their way to Jerusalem.  

By the way, Jesus knows what awaits Him in Jerusalem. He is on His way to His death and resurrection. Now talk about difficult circumstances!

Still Jesus has time for compassion and healing for those in need.

Now, on my worst day, and yours too for that matter, we are far better off than a leper. 

Ten lepers see Jesus and call out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!“

When Jesus saw them He said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”

They did and they were healed!

Great day, right!? You would think they would be jumping up and down!

But just like us, they can be so caught in their negative circumstances that they forget how to GIVE THANKS!

Only one of the ten lepers gave thanks! He actually did three things to thank God.

First, he praised God with a loud voice!

Second, he threw himself at Jesus’ feet showing that Jesus was Lord!

And, third, He thanked Jesus for His miraculous healing!  AKA, HE GAVE THANKS!

Jesus responded,

“Arise and go: your faith has made you well.“

You see friends, we do not give God thanks because everything in our lives is going well. We give thanks even when things are not going well because of our faith in the One who deserves all our thanks!

This week I pray that you will give God Thanks for who He is whether your circumstances are good or extremely difficult. Believing that God will take care of all our needs, Amen!

Speak Truth Love