This is a story of two men. Both experienced dramatic and severe hardship but responded differently.
For one man, he found out that his wife had been involved in a long distance, internet affair. Although not physical, this relationship resulted in his wife not paying bills she was responsible for and sending the money to the other man while she secretly planned to leave her husband. His wife also decieved others in order to obtain their assistance. Later on, the plan was discovered by the husband. Apparently, the wife has agreed to discontinue contact with the other man and they are trying to rebuild their marriage. It seems that recovery is in the works.
The other man suffered very serious physical injuries. Normally, this would not be a severe hardship. But because he was in the middle of Africa, miles from a hospital, during a season when it is common for the roads to be closed because of rain, these injuries could have been life-threatening or even fatal. Now three weeks later, by the Grace of God, this man has returned to the US, had the necessary surgeries, and now has been sent home for the remainder of his recovery and therapy. He cannot walk for now because of his injuries or use one of his hands. He is really dependent on others for the time being.
Although the situations are different, both men should be very thankful. I wish I could report that to be the case.
The first man has turned his focus on self and is blaming everyone else for what he is experiencing. He has not trusted God with the situation and has tried to fix it all by his own power. From all appearances, he is depressed because he does not feel that he can talk to any of the men of his church. I should say former church because he refuses to join in fellowship. It seems that he really doesn’t understand what it means to be thankful. Although he claims to have faith in God, its hard to see how he could humble himself to be thankful to a loving God.
The second man’s focus has been on God’s Grace from the beginning of his ordeal. He continues to see God’s hand at work, getting him out of the bush to a hospital, out of Africa and back to the US to have the needed surgery. He sees God’s hand in the family of believers that visit him. He is trusting God for his complete recovery. He will be home with his family around the table on Thanksgiving Day as they all humbly give thanks to God for His provision.
I pray that all of us focus on God’s Grace this Thursday and not on ourselves. Its really not about pigging out on turkey and watching TV. Don’t let this holiday be centered on things. Its about seeing that we are God’s people and we owe everything to Him. He is the provider. His Grace is sufficient. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and meditate on Psalm 100:
Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we are His–His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations. (Psa 100:1-5)
