Turkey Day?

Surfing the internet, I came across an old article from Elisabeth Elliot's newsletter. Here is an excerpt from that article:


Some people are substituting “Turkey Day” for Thanksgiving. I think it must be because they are not aware that there’s anybody to thank, and the most important thing about the holiday is food. Christians know there is Somebody to thank, but often when we make a list of things to thank Him for we include only things we like. A bride can’t get away with that. She writes a note to everybody, not only the rich uncle who gave the couple matching BMW’s, but the poor aunt who gave them a crocheted toilet-paper cover. In other words, she has to express thanks for whatever she’s received.


Take the list of whatever we’re not thankful for and measure it against the mighty foundations stones of our faith. Some of us know very little of suffering, but we know disappointments and betrayals and loss and bitterness. Are we really meant to thank God for such things? Let’s be clear about one thing: God does not cause all the things we don’t like. But He does permit them to happen because it is in this fallen world that we humans must learn to walk by faith. He doesn’t leave us to ourselves, however. He shares every step. He walked this lonesome road first, He gave Himself for us, He died for us. “Can we not trust such a God to give us, with Him, everything else that we can need?” [Rom. 8:32 JBP] Those disappointments give us the chance to learn to know Him and the meaning of His gifts, and in the midst of darkness, to receive His light. Doesn’t that transform the not-thankful list into a thankful one?

Lord, thank you for transforming our darkness into light, our trials into triumphs, our weakness into strength.

Susan

4 comments:

Kelly said...

Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement every day Susan. Looking forward for your post has become a favorite activity each and every morning!
Kelly

Kookie said...

Praise the Lord Susan

I currently receive Devotionals from Elisabeth Elliot. I too read this Devo. Thank you Susan for this Devo. which ministered to my heart soul mind, and spirit. I don't remember thanking God for the disappointments, betrayals, and loss in my life. I did that now. When I got to bitterness. I thanked HIM for not allowing me to be bitter, Hallelujah! Thank YOU Abba Jesus & Holy Spirit. Remembering to Thank HIM in Everything. Hallelujah Amen!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours my dear Sister Susan. Love you!!!

Blessings from,
Kookie

Donna said...

and thank you for your always wonderful messages.
Donna

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Susan,

I've been catching up with Eternity Cafe and have been overwhelmed with joy.

The Lord clearly gave you a word. He put this on your heart to do, and you are being obedient and faithful. I am so inspired by you and your response to Him.

I've been a bit overwhelmed lately. Lots on the old family plate. I kept your post up on my main page so whoever stopped by could see your challenge.

Love you friend!

p.s. Hmmmm, this is starting to sound like a book to me. Are you thinking the same thing? xoxox