2020 has been quite a year. With the pandemic and everything that has been going on this year, it is really easy to only focus on the negatives. However, as Thanksgiving comes closer, it is a good reminder that we need to reflect on the many blessings that God has given our church. I love 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which says, “Be joyful always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
We need to make sure we are in the habit of giving thanks to God. A few months ago, we had a Sunday where we intentionally celebrated ways that God was moving and working in and through our congregation and community. We talked about the importance of building “Ebenezers” in our church and in our lives to point out how “up to this point, the Lord us helped us.” The idea of an Ebenezer comes from 1 Samuel 7:12. After God miraculously delivered the Israelites a victory over the Philistines, Samuel erected a stone monument that he named Ebenezer. The purpose of the monument was to ensure that the Israelites remembered that it was God who gave them the victory that day. Samuel wanted to make sure that the Lord was the one who got the credit, and the Israelites wouldn’t be celebrating their own strength.
In that same vein, we want to take time to acknowledge different times that God has moved and worked in powerful ways in our church. We just recently had another such “Ebenezer moment” here at Fee Fee. A few years ago, we took out a loan to help cover the costs of the renovation of our sanctuary. Well, I am so excited to report to you that the note has been paid off and we are debt-free!
In the midst of a pandemic, you have been faithful in your generosity to the Lord, and it is remarkable that we have been able to so quickly pay off this debt. Thank you for your faithful giving! To be able to pay off our debt during this pandemic is an indication of your generosity and God’s faithfulness. This is definitely an Ebenezer moment for our church!
Besides that specific instance, I want to challenge you to take a look back over the last few months and count your blessings. What has God done in your life recently? How has He demonstrated His faithfulness to you and your family?
It is my prayer that we wouldn’t fall into the negativity that seems to surround this year. Instead of just thinking about the pandemic, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus! God is still moving and working in our lives, in our church, and in our community. This month, let’s make sure we give thanks to God for what He is doing and what He has already done!
Will you join me in counting your blessings and giving glory to God this Thanksgiving season?
In Him,
Pastor Zach