Run with Thanksgiving

Your service of giving is not just supplying the needs of God’s people but is also causing a tremendous overflowing of thanks to God. This service has been a proving ground for you where you walk obediently the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life inspiring people with your life and generous spirit. In their prayers for you they are praying from their hearts because of the generous grace that God has given you. Thank You, God, for your gift that is beyond description!     2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (my paraphrase)

The devotion yesterday was about gratitude. It was a day of deep gratitude! My friend, Pastor Steve received word that the cancer that the doctors thought had little chance of responding to any treatment – is shrinking – disappearing – to the doctors’ amazement!!! HALLELUJAH!!! As I shared the news, someone remarked, “I wish this could have happened for your son, James.”

Each of us has been given a race to run, the writer of Hebrews says. (Chapter 12) We must run this race with perseverance and run the path we each been given. And that is the key – the obedience of running the race that you have been given. To wish for the race that another has is – a waste of time and energy. God equips us to reach the victory He has planned in each race for the one who is to run that race!

Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, make you complete [equip you!] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.     Hebrews 13:20-21 (WEB, my emphasis and addendum)

I am thankful this morning. Whatever the day brings…I am thankful. In the race that I am running there are long, steep hills that bring on the burn in my spiritual muscles. There are unexpected hurdles that must be taken without a flinch. There are refreshment zones where worship abounds and my spirit is renewed. There is encouragement when I run with the team. There are times of alone-ness that bring the Holy Spirit closer and the quiet for me to hear Jesus’ steps as He paces me and encourages me.

“I am thankful, Lord, for Your extravagant love and mercy. I will run my race and keep the faith You have given me. I want You to be magnified to all who come my way. To You be all glory and honor, Jesus. Thank You.”