A while back dad mentioned that if we get to a point of being thankful for our circumstances God is able to do more because our hearts are turned to things of above not on worry and distress. Well, I simply thought that was impossible. How could you be thankful for this?! Some mornings in my time with the Lord, I would just say “Lord I am sorry but I am never going to be thankful for what is going on in our life right now.” (Never say ‘never’ to the Lord.) Then this past weekend I went to lake Cumberland with some good friends. Sunday morning we went to lake church and the pastor spoke on Philippians 1 talking about Paul in prison and how he rejoiced because his circumstances were bringing the gospel to others. It made me stop and think, because of our family’s situation we are able to speak more openly to non-believers about Christ and there has been a lot more fasting and praying. Wouldn’t I rather suffer for the Lord like Paul so others can find God’s love? I was so grateful that finally I had the heart to praise the Lord for my circumstances – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I will not be thankful everyday for this, but I wanted to let you all know that your prayers are being answered! I am beginning to give thanks. Love, Ellie
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Ellie— if the beauty of this post makes me smile…. How much more do you think our God is smiling? I keep praying and telling God that healing your mother will allow her to touch so many in her ministry, but you are correct that lives are changing for the glory of God as be moves in these circumstances. But, we can only rejoice through the power of theHoly Spirit. I pray that you and your family will continue to experience The grace and peace of our savior, and for increased sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Kristen,
I am blow away by the spiritual maturity of your children. I compliment you and Kirk on your intentional parenting. You have done an excellent job. May God continue to heal you and bless you and your family.
Beautiful Ellie……this is what this life is all about. Being brought to HIM……in and through EVERYTHING! Because He works everything…ALL things…together for GOOD, to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose. Often, what is going on in our lives are not only for us, but for others. We are truly ‘living sacrifices’, wholly acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service! We have an eternity to enjoy the unfolding of His glorious riches out-poured. For now, we offer our lives unto Him……to see what amazing things He will do. In, and THROUGH us! Bless you and your family on this sacred journey~ 🙂
Ellie I am thanking God right now for your courage and resolve to not stop praising our Daddy in heaven. I am continuing to pray, fast and praise too. What encouraging words He has impressed on your heart. Thank you for sharing and I hope you feel my hugs and love and especially His too.
Ha! Tom and Chris have taken my two comments!!! For the FIRST TIME, I have nothing to say! That should make all the Sauders chuckle! Love you, and thanks so much for sharing yourself with us!!
Ellie – You always post such sweet messages. I have learned at a much later age than you, as in I Thes 5:18 to give thanks “IN” everything good or bad, yet not necessarily thanking Him “for” the bad. I can still thru the trials thank & praise God for who He is & what all He has done in my life. As I was reminded this week in the book “1,000 Gifts” I was reading, that when it is dark & we feel God is hdden it is because He has put me in a cleft of a rock & covered me with His hand as He passes by as He did with Moses in Exod 33:21-23. Sometimes “we need to drive a long, long distance, before we can look back & see God’s back in the rearview mirror…” Love to you & your sweet family!
Ellie,
I enjoyed your post. This has convicted me this morning. I complain and whine so much about circumstances instead of focusing on Christ and how He can use them in my life and in the lives of others. Thank you!