Keep growing in Christ - Part 5

Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light. [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins. Colossians 1:12-14 AMP

Giving thanks to the Father. When I started this little series of blog posts I knew that Part 5 would be about giving thanks. But I did not know that God would tangibly remind me of the importance of giving thanks in three days prior to writing it.

Victoria has a scan on the 15th May. There have been signs of rising anxiety. On Monday morning, in the midst of her fears and tears, I offered up a quick prayer, God show me how to help her. A picture of a pretty little notebook came into my mind. It was a notebook I had put on a shelf, waiting for the right purpose. God was showing me the purpose - for Victoria to carry around that notebook, and when the fear comes, she is to write or draw something in it that she is thankful for.

Three days have passed, giving thanks (combined with lots of prayer covering and love), and this is what we are seeing the truth of ...

 

Thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Colossians 1:12 The Message 

Last night I attended a Creative Ministries meeting at church. We received some teaching on the importance of thankfulness. What confirmation that we were on the right path in giving Victoria this strategy, thank you Jesus. Here is one of the quotes that was shared last night ...

To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us- and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence a gift of grace. (Thomas Merton)

 

Ann Voskamp shares in her book One Thousand Gifts, how the act of looking for something to be thankful for draws our eyes away from our circumstances and on to Jesus. 

Colossians 1:13-14  describes the ultimate act to be thankful for.

For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT

If you are struggling today to find something to be thankful for, may I suggest a time of meditating on Colossians 1:13-14, considering more deeply Jesus -  Who He is and what He has done.  

The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning. Psalm 25:14 AMP