By Maryellen Cogwin
Luke 17:17-19 (ESV)
Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Has something amazing ever happened to you that made you want to run and tell everyone about it?
Many of us quickly tell the story to the first person that listens, but we forget to thank God or others. When Jesus told the ten lepers to show themselves to the Priest, only one came back, fell on his knees, and gave great thanks. This one leper was far from his homeland, and he was a Samaritan. Jews didn’t like Samaritans.
Giving thanks, even when it’s to someone you don’t like or when it’s hard to do, can strengthen your faith and walk with God.
We can thank God for the small and big things in life like food and drink, a house, family, and clothing. Thank God for the big miracles such as healing of cancer, living in a great place, and Jesus’ death on the cross which saves us, as we are reminded this season. We can thank God for everything; nothing is too big or small.
This season I am thankful for Jesus, friends, family, clean water, a great school that I will graduate from, the freedom to go to church, access to food, and the blessing of medicine to help those that I love.
Pray with me…
Lord, thank You for all of the miracles in my life. This Lenten season, please help me to give thanks for things no matter how big or small they are. Give me strength to stay focused on Your gifts during both the good and hard times. I pray all this in Your name. Amen.