Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
Philippians 4:14 (ESV)
Father, next week Thanksgiving, and driving I noticed that the stores and establishments are already putting up Christmas directions, completely bypassing that day when we pause to give thanks for what You have done for us, but instead sprinting towards the infamous “Black Friday” where vendors slash prices and post deals all with the intent of luring consumers into their establishments. Is not the season about giving thanks for the blessing of my Savior? How completely and totally ironic! Thanks is lost in pursuit of a dollar!
Well, I purposely Father, of the course of the next two weeks, to focus on giving Your thanks because none of this would be possible if it were not for You. You have been so good to me, have provided so much for me, and have filled the gaps in my life. I shall never walk in the place where I will not be thankful and lift up Your praises!
So today, I thank You for those whom You have sent into my life to walk with me. Many come to mind today who have stood beside me as I have navigated through the challenges of life. Whether wrestling with sickness or infirmity, dealing with the loss of a loved one, challenged by inadequacy or lack in my life – the list goes on – there has been someone who has been right there, holding my hand, and pointing me towards You, reminding me that You are the Supplier of all my needs. They have been Your tangible presence in my life. From my spouse, to my children and siblings, parents and friends, to co-workers and acquaintances, to strangers in the streets, You have consistently raised up the right person at the right time to remind me that You are not only still on the throne, but see me and care for me. As they share in my troubles it is a divine reminder that You share in my troubles, that You are going through them with me, and that You are delivering me. Thank You for the fingerprints You leave behind through them!
I pray today that You would enable me to be that person to someone else. Help me to a bastion of hope, a glimmer of light, and a reminder of Your grace and unfailing love. Plaster all over my forehead for them to see, “He will never leave your nor forsake you,” and let my life and love for them be a reminder of this fact and my overcoming a testimony to this truth regarding Who You are to us in Jesus’ Name.