Being thankful to God really is a choice, isn’t it? I have to choose each and every day to be thankful for all He has done in my life. Life is busy, no actually, crazy. I get so caught up in it all–the busy-ness. It is so easy for me to come before God with all my cares and concerns, prayer requests, and the things that I ponder. But, truthfully, I forget to come before Him with a heart of gratitude. So often my burdens take the place of my gratitude–so totally the wrong way around!
God has really been challenging me about all the choices that I make on a daily basis. I love what Deuteronomy says: “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice and hold fast to Him.” Deut 30:19. There it is, as clear as daylight–choose life!
Today I am choosing. What am I thankful for? Well, His amazing faithfulness! This has been a week of reflection for me. I love looking back and seeing what He has done. Sometimes the future seems so uncertain, so daunting. Looking back at what He has done brings such comfort to my heart about all that He will do.
I’m learning that God’s ways are so NOT my ways. It has taken me a while to get it in my heart, but I think I’m finally (almost) getting it. I love to be organized, I love to plan my life (if I could, I would have it all mapped out for the next five years). Being organized brings order to my life. My hubby always teases me that I ‘corner’ him in the bathtub–he has no escape from the small bathroom when he sees me walk in the door–with all my honey-do’s and reminders. Yes, I love to have all my ducks in a row.
I’m learning that sometimes (actually, most of the time) even my best attempts at staying on the course I have for my life get derailed by the Father. Yip, I think I am finally getting it–the fact that God is the ONE who leads and guides me. My only job is to be obedient. I am finally getting it in my heart–that obedience unlocks God’s amazing provision, and He shows Himself faithful every single time.
How faithful He is! I love reading in His glorious Word ALL the amazing times God showed Himself faithful to His people. Isn’t He the same yesterday, today and forever? Is His faithfulness not the same today as it was all those years ago? Absolutely.
My God is faithful–even when things turn out so differently to what I expected or desired. He is faithful even when the outcome hurts, or makes no sense to me. He is faithful, even when I am unfaithful. He is faithful, even when I kick and scream against His plans and purposes. He is faithful, friends.
Looking back on where we have come from, one thing is for sure–He has never, not once, ever abandoned us. He has never left us without. He has taken care of every need, every care, every concern we have ever had. When life seemed overwhelming and it felt like the things of the world would consume us–God rescued and delivered us every time. I have such an expectation in my heart for the future–with our faithful God steering the ship, it can only be good.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Psalm 57:10
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Precious friends, please can I ask you to pray for our friend, Ian? It seems that medicine has run its course and there is nothing more that doctors can do to help this sweet boy. The cancer has continued to spread in his brain, and chemotherapy is no longer an option for healing. So, we call on our faithful Jesus, the Ultimate Healer, to breath life and healing into every part of Ian’s body that needs a touch from Him.
Can God do it? Absolutely. Ian’s family are choosing to stand firm on the promises God has given them for healing their son. The are tired and weary, but so steadfast in their faith. Ian is one of seven children. They love the Lord with all their hearts. If you have a moment, please go to their caring bridge site and leave a note of encouragement, I know they read every single one of them to Ian. God has used the sweet comments of friends and strangers to encourage and uplift the Lyons family–Lord knows they so desperately need it today after yesterdays heartbreaking news.
Our God is faithful!
Ian is just thirteen years old–the boy in the front with the bald head.
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Don’t forget there is still time to enter the book giveaway. You have until Friday 5 pm. What a joy it is to be able to bless someone with these two amazing books. You will be so encouraged.
Have a very special day, women of God! May God show Himself faithful to you in every area of your life. Put on your garment of praise this day!
