givingThanks in ALL "The Times"

This Sunday, our pastor encouraged us to look back on our life with a grateful heart, and see how far God has taken us on His path of righteousness.

This morning, my husband and I woke up talking and reflecting about our life’s...where we came from, where we thought we were going and thankful about where we are now.

In every case as we reflected back, we could clearly see God’s sovereign hand orchestrating and directing our paths in every minor and every major event in our life's. Looking back, we could clearly see His hand - even though at the time we were unaware of His divine providence.  His hand guided us from when we first met each other, to having our children, to finding our careers and to the friendships that we have now.

However, what brought the most joy to our morning is when we reflected back to that sweet moment in our life's when we discovered that through Jesus Christ, we could have an intimate relationship with the God who created us. To know that we have the privilege to talk with our Creator, Savior and Heavenly Father is almost too much to take in. But as if that was not enough, He also gives His children the ability to hear Him and see Him answer us in His wonderful time and in His wonderful ways (John 10:27). We are so thankful to know that we can wake up each morning with confidence knowing that our Heavenly Father smiles upon us, thinks about us, plans for us and wants the best for us!

As we all reflect back on our life’s during this special Thanksgiving season, let’s give thanks to Him who uses the slow times,  the fast times, the weak times, the sad times, the strong times, the hard times, the good times, and the sweet times to bring us to a better place than we would have done for ourselves.

May we give thanks to Him for using ALL “the times” in our life for our good and His glory!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

FATHER, thank you that you know the plans you have for us and they are good! Thank you that in spite of ourselves and in spite of all of our wanderings, doubts, complaints and unbelief at times, You faithfully and lovingly bring us to a place of fulfillment. Thank you that by your incredible grace you will ultimately bring us to a place where we will see you face to face. Thank you that when we falter in our steps, we are never beyond your reach. In Jesus’ Name – Amen.