“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:23
I have much to be thankful for. Even here across the world, away from my family and all the good food they made this Thanksgiving, God has still given me all that I need. But that doesn’t mean that I get all that I want, it often means the opposite. That I must sacrifice the things of this world for God. And yet the bible says to still be thankful in all things. This is a constant struggle for me. One attribute I long to exhibit more often is a joyful heart. Joyfulness comes out of thanksgiving, it comes from recognizing the innumerable blessings of grace God has given us. But often I become so focused in on other things, on improving my faith, on being prepared spiritually, or even displaying and communicating the gospel well, that I lose sight of being joyful. Of giving thanks to God. So this week, as I was reminded of this truth of the joy that comes from being thankful in Christ, I really prayed out things of thanks to God. Especially being here and seeing the lack of churches, leaders, and spiritually resources these people have, reminds me just so much I take for granted and how much more thankful I should be. God has given me an encouraging Christian family, something many people here have the opposite of. God has given me a bible, something not all people overseas possess. And God has given me a solid church, something not all people here can attend or sometimes even find. I have been given much, even being here away from everything is a blessing. God is working in me in ways I’ve never experienced before in the comforts of my former life. God has a plan and purpose for me, and I am so excited to see what’s coming next. So, until tomorrow and the day after that, I will give thanks to God for what I have today. As scripture says “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 ESV)
Some things I want to thank God for specifically in this season of life are: The people I’m surrounded with that are helping me grow in my walk of faith. The roof over my head, hot showers, air conditioning, and a mattress. My bible and the words of truth God has spoken to me through it. Again, the mission’s family that has shown immeasurable hospitality to us. Good leaders who follow after God and guide their teams well. My family and the quality time I’ve had with them in the past + the time I’m having with them now over calls. Times of prayer and solitude with God. Generous giving from all of you for me to be able to be here experiencing this. God’s power over the enemy, and the victory we have already attained in Christ. The place God has put me in life to learn and grow so much by living in these things. The ability and position I have to speak into others lives. The emotional heart I have to give me this brokenness at seeing the lostness of these nations. For good friends and fellowship with others. For meals and memories spent with loved ones. For the gifts God has given me in different parts of this ministry. For who he has specifically made me with all my strengths and weakness. For the power of the cross that outshines all else. For the love of God that saved a wretch like me. For grace beyond my understanding and for the freedom I now have from sin and fear. Oh how much I have to be thankful for!
Some highlights from this week that go hand in hand with these praises of thankfulness are;
-small pickup basketball games
-big group bible studies with the youth
-prayer walking around college
-Having the space to chuck a disc as far as I could
-going to the gym
-thanksgiving lunch with my team and the missions family
-game nights
-random boba tea place that is sooo good
-going to a wedding and seeing God work through the family’s support + witnessing the cultural differences
-needed prayer time with God and intentional fellowship with him
-witnessing to God’s faithfulness in my testimony and through the encouragement of scripture
All of these things have been incredibly encouraging and God has really lifted up my heart this week to praise him for all these things. Some prayer requests you could be lifting up are;
- Continued strength to battle in the spiritual warfare around me
- Team unity, patience, and focus on the mission before us
- Comfort for those that are grieving, and joy for those coming to know him
- For a family were baptizing next week to be protected and for God’s power to be displayed in any spiritual power confrontations
- For continued brokenness for the lost and for a heart full of joy for the things God has given me
As I have said I have so much to be thankful for. As I continue in this season God is providing all I need, he is giving me all things for his good. I will continue to have to give up much for the cross but as I look to him I already I know it is all worth it. Let us be thankful in Christ. Let his joy overflow from us that we may display a life transformed by the gospel. And let us love one another as Christ has loved us. With many blessings I hope y’all have had an amazing thanksgiving, and I pray that you would continue to bless the lord. He has given us much. Let us give him thanks!
