These past few weeks have been all about family. My daughter Stephanie, her husband Danny, and my two granddaughters, Madeline and Macy, came from Peru to stay with us for three weeks. They are missionaries doing amazing work from their home base in Lima, touching countless lives across Peru and Latin America. They come each year not only to vacation with us, but to reconnect with the churches and people who faithfully support them, since Peru does not allow non-citizens to earn income. Everything they do is made possible through others who believe in their calling.
It was a full and wonderful time together. And as happens every year after they return to Peru, I find myself settling into a deep sense of gratitude. This morning, sitting on my deck overlooking my garden, reading God’s Word and writing Fresh Manna, my heart is full. I began reflecting on what a very lost young man I once was—clueless about life and without direction. Then one day, a gal named Sharon told me about God’s love and what Jesus had done so I could be reconciled to Him. She helped me pray and ask Jesus into my heart, and from that moment on, everything changed.
I went from wandering aimlessly to walking with the Lord in a personal relationship that redirected my entire life. Even now, I can hardly contain how thankful I feel. The words of Jesus echo in my heart: “Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.” — Luke 12:48 (TLB) And I am reminded of this truth: “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you… God chose things the world considers foolish… so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” — 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 (NLT)
When I was young, I was full of myself. I wanted control, success, and a life I could boast about. But the truth was, I was lost. My life had no real direction. Then God’s Word began piercing my heart, tearing down the fragile thinking I had built everything upon. I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I do—it was the power of God entering a heart that had finally opened to Him. For the first time, I could see clearly. I wasn’t in control. I wasn’t strong. I didn’t have the answers. But He did.
I was one of those “foolish things” God chose—and from that moment on, my life was no longer about me, but about Him. Now, 44 years later, I am still amazed that God would allow someone like me to know Him and walk with Him. That privilege has shaped every part of my life. I am thankful for my wife, my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. I am thankful God allowed me to pastor for 35 years and for every person He has brought into our lives. I am thankful for the privilege of raising my children to know the love of Jesus Christ and for His promise that as we train them in His ways, they will not depart from it.
God’s promises are more real to me than any temporary situation. No matter what comes, I trust that His love will cause His promises to prevail. Thanksgiving has become a way of life for me. It cancels worry. It silences doubt. It kindles hope. It strengthens faith. Even the things that don’t seem good in the moment eventually reveal the goodness of God. Because of that, we have learned to thank Him not only in the joyful seasons, but also in the difficult ones.
All of this doesn’t make me want to boast about my life—it makes me want to boast in the Lord. And so I do. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Your love is greater than I can express. You have been faithful through every season of my life. I praise You, I trust You, and I will worship You all my days. Fill my heart with continual gratitude, and help me live in a way that reflects Your goodness to others, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
