“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” Hebrews 13:15-16 NASB.
Asking why and complaining would be easy. Choosing to praise by giving thanks is a sacrifice we give, not in our own strength, but through Him. We need to practice what we sing:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
Recently, I had a phone conversation with one of our Visionary Partners. For as long as I have known Mrs. J she has been unemployed. Each phone call would end with her saying, “I will give as long as I can!” For two years she has been unemployed. For two years we have prayed for her situation to change. For two years she has continued to support this ministry. During our last conversation Mrs. J. once again, with joy, said “I will give as long as I can!” But this time she also shared that she would be going out later that day to pick up some free food. The extent of her situation was apparent. But the extent of her obedience and sacrifice also became crystal clear. This is what it means to give sacrificially. I know this is pleasing to God.
Paul says this. “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” Philippians 4:11-12 NEV.
Written by Kathy Withers: Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.
