The Top 10 for this month is going to be quite personal. As you may already know, I needed another urgent surgery to have a stent placed into my left iliac artery. Although it was completed as non-invasively as possible, I am not having an easy time with the recovery. But I have been reminded of a few words that Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica –
“…in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
So, this short article will be a small expression of my thankfulness to God for 10 things, even while going through a difficult time.
- I’m thankful first and foremost that I am “in Christ.” He has saved me and given me the hope of eternal life.
- I’m thankful that no matter the trial, like the Apostle Paul I can say that, “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed.”
- I’m thankful that the pain and difficulties are not purposeless, trusting in what Paul also wrote, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison”
- I’m thankful that I have a faithful High Priest who can sympathize with my weaknesses (which are many), and therefore I can draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that I can receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
- I’m thankful that Jesus Christ was willing to suffer to a depth beyond anything I can even experience or imagine, enduring the cross and despising its shame, so that I would not have to experience such consequences, but instead look forward to life in the Heavenly City for all of eternity.
In addition to being thankful for all those things which are largely a future hope, I’m also thankful in the midst of this trial for these current blessings in my life, all of which I do not deserve.
- I’m thankful for my church for which I have been a part of for the past 30 years.
- I’m thankful for all of you, my precious brothers and sisters in Christ who have been, and still are, part of my blessed life.
- I’m thankful for my close friends, I have been blessed with, both here and all over the world, you who have prayed for me diligently on so many occasions.
- I’m thankful for the amazing family the Lord has blessed me with, my parents, my siblings, my in-laws, my kids and my grandkids, most of whom know the Lord as their Lord and Savior.
- And last but certainly not least, I’m thankful for my wife, Susan, whom the Lord gave to me as a perfect gift almost 40 years ago. In all of the trials and sufferings that I have been through Susan has been there, serving me and helping me as no one else could. And I know that she has done these things because of her love for Jesus. Who could ask for anymore than this?
Therefore, I will try to remain joyful in the midst of all life’s trials, because there are just too many things to be thankful for.
Maybe, you can send me a copy of ten things you are thankful for.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Randy
Hyderabad, Telangana, India – Photo by Prasanth Dasari on Unsplash