Saturday, November 26, 2011

Giving Thanks :)

It's that time of year where everyone thinks more often about giving thanks.  It has been the topic of discussion on facebook, Sunday School, church, and our WOM meeting.  It is wonderful that people choose this time of year to stop and "give thanks" for the blessings in their lives.  The most common things we are thankful for at this time of year are their families, friends, jobs, food, home, salvation.....hmmmm notice how salvation isn't usually the first thing on our minds.  The bible says "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:18.  As hard as it was, and sometimes still is, I am thankful for my cancer.  I am VERY thankful for God's healing, but I would not go back and change a thing about the whole experience if I were able to.  My family and I are forever changed for the better because of our cancer experience.  We are all closer to God.  We are closer to each other.  We've received a thousand blessings in the form of answered and unanswered prayers.  We've learned how many wonderful friends we have out there who are now more like family to us than ever before.  This ministry was formed out of my cancer.  I know God used my cancer to reach other people.  I've had countless people tell me what a blessing or inspiration I have been to them.  It's not anything I've done...it's what the Lord has done. I'm sure there are countless others God has touched through my cancer that I don't even know about.  And I know that for the rest of my life, as long as I continue to be obedient to the Lord, he will use my cancer to bless others.  So what's not to be thankful for?  God can use the worst of circumstances for His Glory.  So even in the hard times, be thankful and obedient and listen to what God is trying to teach you and let Him use your trying times so that His will may be done. You will be blessed in the process!  Happy Thanksgiving :)