Today is Thanksgiving!

No, it's not the last Thursday of November. That is reserved for Americans. Since its the season we call it out today, though it could be any day in the year to stop to think of His greatness - from the universal to the personal.

Yet, it is a day of Thanksgiving. 

Creation, by itself, fills one with awe when you stop to think how it could have been made. Imagine this: the earth hangs in the air, with no support, rotates so that each part of it gets the sun and the moon by turns. We praise Him for this creation that we enjoy day on day, night by night, every second.

Think about ourselves. Truly He knew us much before we were born. He brought us into a family or friends who brought us to Him. We thank God for their presence in our lives. For those who are second generation Christians, remember Sunday school and the teachers? We have included a short chorus at the end of this post to jog your memory! We are thankful for them.

Meanwhile, lets count our blessing- on by one...

He gave us handpicked life partners for continuity when our parents ceased to live. He gave us the fellowship of believers, past and present, who helped us in our journey. When we didn't connect to the right partner, He gave us access to a fellowship. When we did not appreciate them or use them, He gave us a reason to; every morning - when we woke up, we gained consciousness. He gave us each day- to live and bless. 

He used family and friends, dead and alive, to take care of us when we needed it most. He circled us with a hedge of His protection throughout our lives. He took us away from danger even when we may not even be aware.

While we may be going through tough times, we keep going in His grace and strength. We are still protected by His hedge. After all we live in this world and will face challenges of this world. But we live in hope, because all these people brought us to Him who gave us this hope. 

Let us praise Him and thank Him for His love and all these people who shared His love with us.

Doubt is not an enemy!

Very many folks consider it a weakness to doubt spiritually.

If you don't doubt, you don't believe, for no one can doubt what they don't believe!

Even spiritually, from the human logic perspective, it is by doubting and resolving, that faith is reaffirmed. A quick belief, a blind faith, is also quick to fade away over time or a rocky road.

Consider, then, doubts as the growing pains of the faith.

So, it's ok to doubt, but it's not ok to leave it at that. Unresolved doubt will surely lead to apathy and apathy is the enemy of faith which will direct you to failure when it matters most.

John the Baptist doubted too. But he did something about it. He asked questions! No one stops us either.

How does one resolve doubt? By seeking answers diligently. First from His Word and then from His appointed shepherds. Research, read and double check. Don't just depend on Google. Read. The most researched book is the #Bible. There is no dearth of information. But, come to a conclusion. Don't just ask an opinion. Form your own. Ask God. As Yancy Arringtom says - "ask big questions of a very big God".

A lot of folks, when in doubt, simply look back on their own life and remember what God has done for them. They recall His work. Others look for inspiration. Yet others look for examples. Whatever your preferred way, one thing is certain: if you want to find, you need to seek. The key word here is "want".

Francis Bacon said -If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient in them, we shall end in certainties. True That!

What Is Your Comfort Boat? :

 

***Based on a KJV Devotional

"And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14:29-31 KJV

When God calls us to go deeper in our relationship with Him, it takes deep trust and stepping out in faith in order for us to accomplish what He is calling us to do.
Consider the Apostle Peter, who was the only one who boldly got out of the boat and took the risk and leap of faith in order to come closer to Jesus. Like most of us, Peter got so distracted by the surroundings that he almost drowned; but Jesus came to the rescue.
Things like bridling the tongue, practicing speaking only words that bring life, and so on may seem an impossible quest, for we are weak and easily tempted. But Jesus only wants us to step out of the boat of our comfort and put our trust in Him as we step out in obedience. If He didn’t let Peter, who doubted Him, drown, He wouldn’t leave you all by yourself on this journey. The more you obey His Word and apply His commandments, the more you grow closer to Him.
What is your comfort boat right now? Step out in faith, and don't be afraid. He is with you in all seasons of your life, in good times and bad times. You can do all things through Christ Who gives you strength!
Many of us may be going through some tough times, maybe in health, or finances or relationships. There may be challenges we are scared to face or try and overcome. Yet, God expects us to face them and overcome them, with His strength and Grace. He wants us to step out onto that sea of challenge and he will be there to save.
Prayer point: Lord Jesus, You know the comfort boat I am in. Thank You for giving me the courage to step out and walk closer toward You, even though there are uncertainties of circumstances. I put my faith and trust in You, for You are always there to rescue me as I step out in obedience toward Your call in Jesus’ name! Amen.