Lord, you have done wondrous things, plans formed of old, faithful, and sure. Isaiah 25:1 

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

As we are one day away from Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally turn to thankfulness, to gratitude, to remember all we have received and be grateful for it. Of course there are also gatherings with lots of food, sometimes family or other gatherings. One practice that many have at this time is to take turns recounting what we are grateful for.

When we did this in Sunday school, there were a few stock answers – kids would say thankful for their family, parents, sometimes even for siblings. Grandparents and other relatives occasionally received a mention. Sometime a few kids would say thanks for the food – especially the turkey and pie, or not having to go to school. Then there were a few times when thanks were given for the nice things they had like clothes, or a house, or a vacation they got to take.

We tend to focus on things that are right next to us – thanks on a particular day focus on a few things. Yet God has done wondrous things for us in the past and now in the present and promised to do so in the future. God has plans formed long before we were born. We might not always remember to acknowledge this, but God is patient. As Isaiah says, His plans are those of a faithful God, one who is sure.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us to hold fast to our faiths. After all, God is faithful to us. Then he adds that we should consider how we might encourage one another to love and good deeds. Not as a means to gain God’s favor, but out of all that we have that was given to us.

Faithful God, help us to grip your promises and plans like a map in our hands. Forgive us when we think that we have to navigate life on our own. There are times when we get too wrapped up in our own lives, merciful God, and we forget to come to you. Thank you for your loving faithfulness and for always being there with encouragement that draws us closer to you. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party