It is An Attitude of Gratitude

...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-14

Saul of Tarus became the apostle Paul when he was converted to Christianity on his way to Damascus one day. He was on his way there to arrest Christians and extradite them back to Jerusalem. He had been persectuting them and the Lord up until that day when Jesus himself came to him and asked him why he was doing that. Jesus told him that he was to go to the city and he would be told what to do. The men he was traveling with were speechless and had to lead Paul by the hand because though his eyes were open, he could not see. Acts 9:2-8

Thus was the very beginning to possibly the most dramatic conversion and ministry of this man that had been persecuting Christians for their belief in God. 

He himself then became a target of the same kind of persecution He was hated by many Jews because he taught that Jesus was the Son of God. But he went through many trials while traveling to proclaim the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:25-27, he tells us he was shipped wrecked three times, had problems with robbers and people of his own race, and basically danger wherever he went. He had sleepless nights, went through hunger, thirst, cold and exposure..

How frustrated he must have felt at times for all he was going through and yet it did not give up and ended up himself in prison due to his preaching of the gospel. 

He had known what it was to be in the different situations of life. Times when he had plenty and times he had needs. And yet he remained faithful to God, to the very end of his life, no matter what circumstances he went through.

Can we have that same faithfulness to God even when we are going through tough times/ I do not know about you, but I have nothing on the apostle Paul. Sure there have times I have had a need of things. Even maybe that I might become homeless. Was I greatful for even what little I might have had those times. Probably not like I should have been.

I remember years ago I read a book by Joni Eareckson Tada about her travels to I believe it was Africa. She herself had became a parapalegic in a diving accident in 1967 and out of that experience, has ministered to people who have needed to know that God can still use them no matter what they go through. And not only that but how much he loves them.

In her travels to Africa though she saw how desperate that country was and I remember her saying that those people didn't have anything and to many, God was all they had and they still could praise him for it. (Not a quote)

I have always had a home, even though we had some times that were tough.. But at times I was worried  that my kids would not have enough to eat. But even though, was I grateful enough to God. Because  you know what. He never let us down. We never went hungry and we were never without a home. Close to it a couple of times, but thankfully never without one. As I look back, I can honestly say, probably not.I had really been in too much of the moment in worry, and that took away from my being grateful for what I did have and what God did provide for us.

Like the apostle Paul in the bible and our more modern day Joni who suffered a tragic physical situation, can we be as thankful? I hope I have learned through the people in their world, to be be more thankful for the things I have now. And even in my  past.

Make this season a real season of thanksgiving for you and teach it and be an example to your family and friends. Not just on November 28, but every day of your life. Because it really is an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude to God who is the supplier of our very life.


November 19, 2019 Promise: Now let us come boldly to the throne of God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

I am thankful for every one of you that come to this blog! You do not know how much I really appreciate you! May God be an everlasting part of your life and bless you today and every day!