What are you thankful for? November tends to move the minds of people to apple cider and pumpkin spice, the smell of fall leaves, and even a slight change of attitude as people begin to take consideration of the gifts that they have been given, and give thanks for them. In recent years, this is seen by people creating lists of things they are thankful for and then talking about them one a day over social media. Most certainly, while there are so many things in the world that may bring us a little fear, we have so much to be equally thankful for. I would like to make a couple options for your considerations this year.

Perhaps one person to be thankful for, that is often times overlooked, is the Father. In the first article of the Apostle's Creed we acknowledge that the Father is the creator of all things, and only by His loving hand do all things continue to exist. In other words, only because of the love of the Father can we even be thankful. His preserving hands keeps the planets suspended. His hand allows time to continue to flow. His hand provides rain, food, shelter, everything we need, and so many of our wants. It's all covered there in the first article. We truly have a great Father.

Another thing that we don't often give thanks for are our trials. James tells us in chapter 1, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Challenges and trials are tough, but they have a remarkable effect upon the person who suffers through them, to eventually conquer. The ultimate gift that comes out of the challenge is strength. When we speak of strength in terms of faith it's incredibly paradoxical. The strength that we receive isn't ours. Instead, as we work through the trials and challenges of life, we realize that we simply aren't strong enough… but Jesus is. Our strength comes by leaning into Him when life becomes hard. By accepting that there is a greater plan, and we need to simply follow- even if it's miserable. As we do this, faith becomes less centered on ourselves, and more centered on our Savior Jesus.

While trials and challenges are certainly not the highlight of our lives, when they come we also remember the words of Jesus in John 16, In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. While the trials and challenges appear, we rejoice knowing that they have already been overcome. All we do, empowered by the Holy Spirit, when all else fails is to stand. Place the edge of your shield in the ground, put your shoulder into it, and simply let the world bluster around you. Christ has won, stand in that victory. This trial will only last a moment.

While you make your list of things your thankful for this year, don't forget to thank God for His incredible presence, and for the challenges that come your way. Through your challenges and trials it becomes very plain how big God truly is, the incredible love of Jesus is for you. Brothers and sister, may you have a blessed November and a happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Phil