A Position of Thankfulness
Posted on December 1, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15,16
In this account, Jesus uses a process to heal the 10 lepers. First, they needed to acknowledge that they needed help. Denial is a powerful enemy to our souls. To truly assess where you are, in addition asking God to vindicate you can be sobering. However, the healing is activated when there is awareness that healing is needed.
Secondly, completely believing where our help comes from. Believing is one thing, but taking the steps, in faith, provides access to the help. When I contracted Lyme Disease, I knew that the doctors, specialists, and hospital could help me but until I went to the hospital it was only a reflection. These lepers not only believe, they went (action) and asked Jesus to have mercy on them. All trusted and all were healed.
However, only one returned to praise and thank the Healer. A Position of Thankfulness! I played charades with some children and asked them act out a scenario for which they were thankful. Some mentioned their parents, others stated friends, God was declared, and then one boy took out a comb and began combing his hair. With many failed attempts to figure out the picture he was painting, he said: “I’m thankful for this comb. My dad gave me this comb and I don’t get to see him anymore.” A Position of Thankfulness
We are healed or being healed in some way or another. Do you have a spirit of thankfulness? Are you like the 9 lepers who did not appreciate the miraculous healing? Or you like the one who returned with A Position of Thankfulness?
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 31; Proverbs 1
Daily Quote: “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” – Harry Ironside
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7
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Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
