Knowing God’s Love Through Them

"Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his mercy endures forever.” 
1 Chronicles 16:34, GWT

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering. We gather with family and friends in celebrating the blessings we have experienced throughout the year. We have conversations and play games. As the ballgame echoes through the house, we enjoy a feast of all our favorite holiday foods. This is when we find ourselves in the moments that matter. 

The other people in our lives are the reason we love the way we do. When we look at others through the loving eyes of God we realize just how much He has blessed our lives. We see the forgiveness of a harsh word, we understand the compassion of grace, and we hear the praises of overcoming. 

When I look around I see so many who have inspired and impacted my life in ways that I had no idea could be impacted. When I chose to surrender to God’s will in my life, I began to see how He loves. I began to hear how He spoke. I began to know the wisdom of His words. 

Who are the others? 

The Lovers

These are the people that love me even when I am a messy Christian. When I am ankle-deep in the messy muck of getting off track, they are the ones that love me out of the ditch and help me clean off the yuck. Luke 10:33-34

The Encouragers

Ahhh… the ones who will be waving the pom-poms while cheering me through my race. They stand on the sidelines and support and praise Jesus as I run with confidence. Hebrews 10:24-25

The Prayers

There is no way you can have a tribe without having a private prayer team. This isn’t because my prayers aren’t heard…. This team is here because they want to intercede on my behalf. When I don’t have the words to pray, they do. When my tears are all that I have, they have the words that will reach heaven.  Acts 1:14

The Against-Me People

Yes, even those against me are worthy of gratitude. Why??? Just why would I be thankful for someone who is against me? Simple. Because it is for them that I do what I do. As I walk the will of God in my life, He can touch them. God can reach everyone when I am willing to be His vessel.   1 Peter 1:6-7

The Needers

This is the group that makes it all worthwhile. It’s made up of women who are wondering if they will ever be worthy. Some of those who are alone and wondering what love truly looks like. There are even some who are lost and searching for something they haven’t known. These are the ones who need Jesus and grace. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The Leaders

Of course, I am grateful for leaders. They show me what it is to work diligently. They teach me the truth. But mostly, they walk beside me and guide me as I navigate life as a disciple. They aren’t there to dictate orders. They don’t just sit idly while I work. They are in the trenches with me. Matthew 20:26-28

The Hungry

When it comes to wanting more, this group is always hungry for God. They are the ones who seek and search in places that most won’t go. I am so thankful that they are willing to be hungry with me. I want to share God’s manna with them. I want to see them pull up a seat at the table and feast on the meal set before them. Not just once a year… Daily! Matthew 5:6

The Lonely

My heart hurts for those who sit and wonder where their tribe has gone. I see them searching for a place to belong. They just want to know that someone sees them. They want to know that they are more valuable. Matthew 10:29-31

The Lost

It is true that all who wander are not lost. Some of them who wander truly want to roam. But there are some who just don’t know all that awaits them should they choose a life of salvation. God doesn’t want any of His children to perish. Those who are lost and hopeless are the very reason that God gave me certain gifts. That is why I do the thing I do. John 3:16-17

Those Before Me

This last group of others is the one that drenches me with inspiration. They are the ones who are now enjoying the presence of Jesus. They have in some way caused me to desire to pursue God and His will for my life. I cannot change that they are not here but I can use their love of Christ to make a difference here. Maybe someone can be changed knowing that others were made better because of the love of God. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Truly Thankful Isn’t Just One Month

As we started the month we wanted to remind ourselves why we are grateful. Some of us have even taken to writing out daily gratitude notes. I want to challenge us to be better at those notes. Let us not just write them one month a year….. Let us be reminded 365 days a year as to why we are thankful for the bountiful blessings of God. Even in the darkest of times let us be reminded that there is something bigger and better than the wicked world in which we live. 

Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1, GWT

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! 

Rejoice and be glad in the blessings that God has showered upon you in 2022!!

Always be joyful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, GWT