Posts Tagged ‘leukemia’

When Giving Thanks Becomes a Sacrifice

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Giving thanks is easy when there’s something tangible for which to be thankful. You know…the sun shines on the day you’ve planned a family picnic, your suitcases land at the same airport as you do after a long trip, you live a “happily-ever-after” life with a loving family and mortgage-free house, everything you do meets with success, yada yada. It’s not so easy when the rain falls on your party, suitcases get lost, “happily-ever-after” turns into a nightmare, and everything you do seems to fail.

That’s when giving thanks becomes an act of the will. In the midst of life’s tough stuff is where we called to practice the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Doing so proves that we’re trusting God even though we can’t understand His ways. In turn, honoring Him opens the door for Him to bless us.

Psalm 50:14,23 says, “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High…Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” These verses, like many others in Scripture, give a command with a promise.

Command: Give thanks to God even when it hurts.

Promise: God will reveal His salvation to us.

Practicing the sacrifice of thanksgiving is a lesson I’m learning on an ongoing basis. Did I feel thankful when a friend was recently diagnosed with leukemia? No, but I gave thanks to God for holding her in His hand.

Did I feel thankful when the quote for the cost of a current book publishing project suddenly escalated several hundred dollars? No, but I gave thanks to God for His ability to provide.

Do I feel thankful that I’m scheduled for major dental work this month? Are you kidding? In the midst of white-knuckled anticipation, I’m thanking God for a dentist who’s skilled and able to address my tooth issues quickly.

It’s my job to obey God’s command and practice the sacrifice of thanksgiving. It’s His job to fulfill His promise in whatever manner He wishes. Maybe it’s fulfilled in the peace that I’ve experienced since I started expressing thanks. Or maybe there’s more. That’s not my concern, but I must admit, I am curious.

How about you? Tell us about a situation in which you practiced the sacrifice of thanksgiving and how you experienced the salvation of God.

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A Prayer for People in Pain

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Yesterday was unusual in that bad news arrived three times.

One of my friends, a woman I’ve known for 25 years and who ministered with us in Poland this summer, was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with leukemia on Monday evening. Then there’s my daughter’s friend whose 2-year-old was diagnosed with the same disease on the same day. And then there’s a beautiful young pastor’s wife who just discovered she has a brain tumor.

My mind can scarcely comprehend the shock and changes that these folks and their families are facing right now. As I wend my way through my to-do list, I pray for them often and ask God to be their strength. I ask Him to comfort them, to remind them of His presence, and to touch their bodies with His healing hand. And I admit, I wonder why He has allowed these things to happen to His children.

I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know that the news about my friends didn’t surprise God. He’s in control, and He’s promised to be with them. No matter what happens, they can be victorious because of His faithfulness and unfailing love in their lives. My heart’s desire for them is based in Psalm 40:1-3…

“Dear Father,

I pray that my friends will wait patiently for You to help them. Turn to them and hear their cries. Lift them from the pit of despair. Set their feet on solid ground and steady them as they walk along. Give them a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to You. Amaze others with what You do on their behalf, and use their situations as a catalyst for others to put their trust in You. I pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”  

Do you have friends or family going through a hard time? If so, please feel free to adapt this prayer for them or to pass it along to someone who can use it.

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