Here it is: that day that has been set aside to reflect and give thanks for all the blessings of the past year.
Yes, the past year has been filled with all kinds of disasters. There have been floods, tornadoes, erupting volcanoes, jihadist Islamists killings, Covid 19, an election that cost millions and, oh yes, the Ottawa transit system that doesn’t work.
But you are here, alive and reading this and you have survived. That is a good place and a good reason to start giving thanks.
Or do you say why did this all happen “to us?”
Habakkuk had raised many complaints (Habakkuk 1:1-4) to God and this, in part, was God’s answer “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwelling-places not their own.” (Habakkuk 1: 5-6)
Can you hear those voices from Judah “Why us??”
Solomon said “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
However, Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So what are we to do?"
“O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) This is OIM’s Founding Verse.
Invest in others the deposit which God has placed in you. “If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully”. (Romans 12: 6-8). Many of these gifts are used as I volunteer with OIM to help those less fortunate.
Make every day a day of thanksgiving for God’s blessings.
~Lloyd, Volunteer
