We’ve all faced persecution
At least I know because Jesus said so. Life is filled with ups and downs, and you may find yourself asking If God truly exists.
If you’ve ever been in a terrible situation, you may doubt the powers of God. And if you do, there is no way you will appreciate the need for thanksgiving
I’ve had my share of persecutions, especially with some patients I have managed over the years. I am a practicing medical doctor, and I’ve seen so much of real-life medical experiences that sometimes shake my faith in God.
About four years ago, while on duty, a four months old baby was rushed into the hospital with an amputated leg. Yes, the leg was cut off and hanging by a thread of skin.
As they said, the baby, who was being carried by the mother in a speeding motorcycle, slipped through her wrapper, and the spoke of the moving bike crushed one of her legs.
It was a terrible experience for everyone. At first, I was confused and could not understand why this sad experience could befall an innocent baby.
She was just four months old, and one of her legs is already amputated. Her parents were also from a poor background and could not provide the necessary funds for medical care.
This was the first time in my life I have had to donate blood to save a patient’s life. In the end, I was so troubled that I started asking God questions in my heart.
But I was ignorant. What if the baby had died? Or What if the parents were affected? Or what if they all sustained severe injuries?
In one way or the other, you cannot exclude the power of God in our lives. Whether faced with tribulations or not, thanking God at all instances is the right thing to do.
The story of the ten lepers
One crucial passage of the bible that teaches us the importance of thanksgiving is the story of the 10 Lepers. This passage is drawn from the book of Luke, chapter 17.
After teaching his disciples, Jesus Christ embarked on a journey to Jerusalem. On his way, he met ten men suffering from a debilitating illness called leprosy.
Leprosy is a terrible disease that affects a person’s skin and damages the nerves of the body. In severe cases, it could result in deformity.
These ten men were already suffering from such a terrible illness, and as they saw Jesus, they called his name begging for a miracle.
In the end, after healing them, only one of those lepers returned to thank God for what he has done.
Here are four things you should know about this story
1. These men were persecuted for long by the devil
It is not documented in the bible how long they have struggled with the disease of leprosy, but leprosy is a chronic illness. This means, for months or years, they have searched for healing.
Most times, we don’t give thanks to God because of our tribulations. We are always in the run for a solution that we forget all power belongs to him.
No matter what you are going through, we must at all times not lose sight of the importance of God in our lives
2. They believed in God
On sighting Jesus, they believed that he had the power to heal them of their diseases. They did not stop there. They called on the name of Jesus with a loud voice saying, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.”
Most surprisingly, immediately they called on the name of Jesus, he simply asked them to go and show themselves to the priest. Wait a minute. At this point, they were not yet healed, but they believed in the words of Jesus and obeyed.
When you are faced with so many trials and tribulations, there is always a need to believe that God can turn things around.
3. They received the healing power of God
After walking a distance to show themselves to the priest as Jesus instructed, they received their healing because they believed.
When you have faith that God will always be there for you, he will perfect his work.
4. Only one Leper gave thanks and he received additional blessings
When they all received their healing, only one of them came back to thank God for all he has done. Interestingly, he was a Samaritan and yet thought it was necessary to give praises to God.
Jesus replied and said thus, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Jesus gave thanks too
We are Christian because we believe that Christ died for us, and he is the only route to our salvation. Being a Christian means, we must practice as we are commanded by our savior Jesus Christ
When on earth, there are multiple times Jesus gave thanks. Here are some bible passages to inspire you to be more appreciative of your maker.
Matthew 11:25 “At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
John 11:41 “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
So, why should we give thanks to God?
1. for his unconditional love
Take a minute to examine where you are now and where you’ve been over the years. Except if you are untrue to yourself, you will find that God has been faithful in so many ways.
Think about how you sleep and wake up unassisted. How you go out in the morning and yet come back home unharmed. Think about how you’ve eaten and how you’ve been able to provide for your family.
Also, take a look at the big picture. Your friends and family members are healthy and doing well. If you are married, God has been blessing your home.
Some may say they are unemployed for years, but somehow, you’ve had your daily bread. Some may say they are sick, but you are still among the living.
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3
The Psalmist David, after acknowledging the goodness of God said:
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name
2. for victory in Christ and salvation afterward
Think about how we came here. For thousands or probably millions of years, God has had a plan. Despite the fall of man from the Garden of Eden, he has given us a path back to himself.
Through the death of his beloved son Jesus Christ, he has redeemed us for salvation.
What if there was no hope? And what if Jesus Christ was not sent to die for our sins?
Therefore, at all times, we must appreciate God’s first love through thanksgiving. The prospect of eternal salvation is a gift from God.
Here’s how Paul described it;
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8
3. for the promise of eternal life
We know as a fact and through faith that there is another perfect place for the dwelling of man. So, In other words, there is another life. Paul said;
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable
Corinthians 15:19
We have been promised eternal rest in God. While some believe it is the earth made paradise, others believe it is a beautiful kingdom in heaven.
So, whatever it is, there is a promise of an eternal sorrow free life – A life where there will be no pain or suffering.
Therefore, as Christians, always look at the big picture. God has made better plans for us from the beginning.
In conclusion, at every minute, we must always be appreciative of God’s love for us. He is our God and has always loved us from the beginning.
