Thanksgiving: A Lost Art? Encouragement from Karen
It seems as though we’re so good at focusing on the black dot on the white paper or finding everything wrong about a person or our lives. But if we would simply stop and count our blessings, I think we would be surprised.
I love the account of the ten lepers who were healed when they encountered Jesus (Luke 17:11-19). As they ran off to tell the priest, one stopped and turned back. Falling at the feet of Jesus, he thanked Him for the healing. Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?”
I wonder: which category do we fall into today? Are we more like the one or the nine? Do we have a grateful heart or a grumbling one? Do we have a fragrant and fruitful heart or one that is frustrated? We can tell if we’re filled with the Spirit by what spills out of us when we’re bumped. Is it ugly, smelly water or the sweet fragrance of Christ?
Take some time and reflect on what your life was like before Jesus saved you. Recall how you were living compared to living for God now. Compare your utter hopelessness to the abundant hope you now have in Christ. Remember all the wonderful things He has done for you and your family or friends. It’s not only good for us to remember, but it glorifies God!
We could sum up the Old Testament with these few words: “Remember what the Lord has done! Do not forget!” The children of Israel did forget, and it’s easy for us to forget, as well. Our pastor’s wife taught us a wonderful practice called “the alphabet of praise.” Whether you can’t sleep at night or feel overwhelmed during the day, recall God’s attributes from A - Z.
A: He is Almighty and Altogether lovely
B: He is my Beloved
C: He is my Comforter and Counselor
D: He is my Deliverer
Etc.
Recently Lloyd and I had the privilege of going to the Republic of Georgia and hosting a pastors, pastors’ wives, and leaders conference for Iranians. They risked their lives in order to come and would have been placed in jail if they were found out. I will never forget them or their stories. They were such bright lights of total devotion to Jesus. Many were just released from jail because of President Trump’s bombing of their nuclear facilities. They were told they’d be retried, but it appears as though their names and information was lost. Because of it, they will not return to their country but are living with kind and wonderful Christians.
I was so struck by their joy despite their suffering. They lost homes. They’ve been separated from their families. Yet they counted it all joy, like the Bible instructs. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). These precious believers lived out these verses.
This Thanksgiving, please remember how many of our brothers and sisters are suffering around the world and how good we have it in America. Yes, we desperately need revival. This country seems to be getting darker and darker, yet we see pockets of revival all over the country and the world. What God is doing among Gen Z couldn’t be more exciting to watch.
So, let’s remember God’s past faithfulness and rejoice in who He is–regardless of what we face. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
We would see Jesus,
Karen Pulley
PS - Here are some reading and resources for your November:
Attributes of God - use this (or add to it) to make your own “alphabet of praise”
Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Declaration
Squanto: A Special Instrument Sent of God
We wish to see Jesus –John 12:21