Refuge for a Single Mom

Ten Lepers Cleansed  [Luke 17:11-19]

11 While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.

12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him;

13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.

15 Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice,

16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they?

18 “Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?”

19 And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”

A few days ago, I made some observations, one of which was this:

”Be thankful for each and every single blessing in your life and recognize that without God, you wouldn’t have squat!”

First of all, I must confess that I used to be a very impatient, controlling, over-analytical, pessimistic, stressed out, worried, MISERABLE person.  If I couldn’t explain it, I couldn’t enjoy it!

At some point in your life, you need to realize that you are NOT in control, not by any means!  No matter how much you plan, prepare, arrange, stress, fret or worry, you are here on this Earth to simply fulfill a plan that GOD has designed for your life!

You need to realize that God is in absolute control.  Any idea, inspiration or motivation in your heart, mind, body and spirit are from Him.  (Obviously, there are sinful, fleshly influences of the world, but in order to make my point, I will concentrate on the ‘good things’!)

With this in mind, it is vitally important that you realize that any blessings, any favor, in your life are only yours by His grace!  (You really didn’t have much to do with it at all!)  That beautiful, healthy baby you love every day, the roof over your head, the food on your table, the car you drive, your profitable business or well-paying job, good friends, loving family, health, safety – ALL GOD!  (Clearly, those who work harder, smarter and longer, will have more to show for it, but still, only in conjunction with God’s grace and favor in your life!)

Now, once you’ve realized that your blessings are from Him, THANK HIM!  Stop taking the good Lord for granted and give Him praise, glory and most importantly, be thankful – every minute of every day!

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.  Colossians 4:2

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

So many people out there don’t understand their blessings.  They ‘deserve’ good things, they’re ‘owed’ the best … When they do receive God’s goodness, they fail to acknowledge His awesomeness.  Instead of giving praises and glory, they simply move on to their next ‘request’!

We aren’t naïve, silly, little teenagers, whose parents are obligated to pave the way!  We are Christians cleansed by and covered in the Blood of the Lamb!  It is ALL because of Him!  His love, His goodness, His favor, His mercy, His power – His grace!

Honestly, this drives me crazy!  (Even my own behavior at times!)  There is so much suffering, stress, worry and sadness in this world!  Isn’t it completely obvious that the goodness we receive can only come from our Father?

There is a saying “If it sounds/seems too good to be true, it probably is.” (Unfortunately, the information available on the internet, regarding this quote, is limited and I cannot tell you the exact quote or who said it!  LOL)

Why?  Why can’t we receive blessings beyond belief and comprehension?  Personally, I believe in a God that surpasses all understanding!  Therefore, I say, “If it sounds too good to be true, thank your God!”

Labels: Blessings, Thankfulness, Way of Thinking