It’s been a harder season.
But Philippians 4 says that in every situation, with thanksgiving, we should present our requests to God. My Bible study group recently studied through that passage and in the chapter before, Paul is talking about pressing on to take hold, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal . . . We talked about how our suffering and struggles are what God uses to grow us to maturity and to be more like Christ, which is the ultimate goal, not our comfort or our happiness.
We can view our harder seasons with thanksgiving, because God is the one who allows them. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Some of the things I’m thankful for . . .
1. My house here. Last year I had several issues with water leaks. And while I did have a solar water tank leak this last week, no damage was done and it was fixed quickly. I’m thankful for the Lord’s provision of a house I like, that is currently in good working order and that has a nice outdoor space for me to sit and also to tend to all of my plants.
2. My Bible Study Group. We’re just finishing up a study through Philippians, and this group of ladies has been such a blessing to me as we read God’s Word, share insights and questions and work through understanding it on a deeper level together.
3. Lea helping in Communications. Lea is here from Germany at just the right time to help with several print design projects that I feel ill-equipped to handle. When she asked to be able to come and work here short-term, I was hesitant to know what we would have her do with her time. God knew ahead of time that her skills would be needed.
4. Hosting Ladies’ Dinners and Retreats. Sunday nights with random groups of ladies have been such a gift, a time for me to practice hospitality and connect ladies from our center and from tribal locations. Facilitating Ladies’ Retreats also brings a lot of joy as I see God working in the lives of those who seek Him.
5. God’s Provision of Financial Support from people like you who partner with me in this ministry and enable me to be here!
6. Ethnos360 Bible Institute Classes. Right now I’m studying The Gospels and Bibliology. There are a few classes you could take for free too. Check them out here.
7. My Team in ICT (The IT Department I’m a part of) I’m especially thankful for Michaela and Norbert in the photo below, who will go on home assignment soon. They will be missed! But I’m grateful that I have people in my life here who I value enough to miss when they’re gone.
8. My Pit Crew. These ladies have journeyed with me for the last almost five years. They’ve prayed for me, listened to my burdens, welcomed me home and celebrated my victories.
9. A lovely vacation. I was recently able to get away to the capital city with my friend Freddy. We had a delightful time running on a trail, looking for sea glass on the beach, dining out, reading, reflecting and swimming! What a blessing!
10. The Beauty of Creation. It’s always good to take a step back and remember that the One who created all of this, still holds all of it in His hands, including me and my daily circumstances. He is faithful and He can be trusted.
