Undeserved Blessings

It seems that everyone is talking about the controversy over Black Friday, and stores that are choosing to open on Thanksgiving day. I will admit that I was just as aggravated over this decision. It is saddening to see such a blatant display of greed interrupting a holiday about giving thanks for our blessings. Despite the controversy, we need to keep our focus where it belongs. Giving thanks.

We have so much to be thankful for, and no corporation can take that from us. God pours blessings down on us no matter where we are. Scripture tells us numerous times that we should give thanks to the Lord. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) says,

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

We are told in ALL circumstances. We aren't told to only give thanks when you are surrounded by family and plenty of food. As I have read that Billy Graham said, "Even when life may be difficult, we should thank God for all He does, which we do not deserve." When we remember how little we deserve; we remember how much we have to be thankful for.

Don't let the uproar of the latest controversy distract you from Who we are giving thanks to. Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to focus on the blessings that we have received from a gracious God.

But then again, every day seems like a great day to give thanks and praise for our undeserved blessings.

Image Created by Emily Gibson

Empty Me

It really doesn't matter how "together" we think we have it. To be honest, it only takes one small reminder to bring us back to the reality that many of our dreams haven't come true. It doesn't matter how strong we are perceived as. We are only human. Our strength isn't enough. In my heart, I know that God uses those time to draw us nearer to Him. It's perfectly okay that we feel those emotions. The beauty of it all is that our emotions never change who God is. Our Savior still died on the cross to pay for our sins because of an unimaginable love that He has for us.

In the end, the important part is that we continue to seek Him and look for comfort in His arms. We will mess up. We will be disappointed. We are going to be hurt by those around us. Circumstances aren't always going to be perfect. Because the fact is... Life is messy. So what I'm trying to say is it's okay. God has a plan that is far more wonderful than we could ever imagine. So when the world comes barging in to remind us that things aren't just as we planned; look to God. He is always faithful in reminding us of what lies ahead when our vision can't see the present.

Image Created By Emily Gibson