I found it hard to begin to sit down and write a blog for this month. Between the constant trips to the bathroom, long ministry days, and late nights I found myself complaining more than I was being thankful for all that I have been given. Despite the cliché of it being the month of Thanksgiving, I knew that’s what the Lord wanted to teach me this month; how to GIVE THANKS.
I began to complain about the overabundance of food they throw on our plates for each meal, but at least I have enough food to feel full while so many in this country go starving each day.
I began to complain about the constant diarrhea and stomach pains I was experiencing from all the Indian food, but at least I have a proper bathroom and medicine available to me.
The back pain I was experiencing from sleeping on the floor every night seemed so immense at once, until we drove by the rice fields where women are literally bent over from sun up to sun down, working hard just to make a living.
It became exhausting to have to lead a church service every single night; praying, sharing testimonies, and giving a message. Then I realized I am in one of the most unreached countries sharing the Gospel of Christ with a different group of people each night.
Wearing the same two skirts every day because of the strict cultural limitations appeared ridiculous, until we visited the lowest caste system in India called Dalits aka the untouchables and saw kids dressed in mere rags.
Feeling sorry that I don’t get to be with my family for the holidays became an all too familiar feeling for me, but then realized that I am surrounded by a community of God fearing people who love and care for me so well.
It was easy for me to adopt a sour attitude amidst some of these undesirable circumstances, but I finally realized that that would get me nowhere. I pray healing over so many each night and pray that even through their tough circumstances, that they may somehow find Jesus and give thanks even in the difficult times. This finally resonated with me and I began to listen to what I was preaching. The spirit of complaining creeps in so fast that we don’t even realize when we’re tangled in its web of lies. I know I need to wake up each morning and clothe myself in thankfulness.
Take this month of November to truly think about all that God has blessed you with. Think about where you are in life and how far you’ve come to get there. Think about all the people that helped make it happen and all of the God ordained circumstances to get you where you are. Maybe your circumstances are less than ideal or not what you expected, but know that it is always for a greater purpose and there is always reason to give thanks. For we are to “give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:18)
