Looking Back with a Thankful Heart

These past few weeks I have been writing up the story of how God established the work of Ellel Ministries at Ellel Grange. I have been thinking of so many things that God did in those early days. As we stepped forward in faith, praying for those who came through the doors, looking to God for help, time and time again God intervened to bless and heal those in need, in spite of our lack of knowledge or experience. We saw first-hand the miraculous power of God transforming people’s lives.

Looking back with thankfulness to what God did then has served to strengthen and renew my faith now for the days that lie ahead. We are living in increasingly tough times and we will need to have landmarks of blessing to look back on with gratitude, from which we can draw strength and inspiration. I’ve realised afresh how meditating on what God has done in the past is such a wonderful source of encouragement for the future – especially when going through hard times.

For this reason I regularly read the biographies of the saints of God – those inspiring stories of what God did through individuals who were willing to risk all in order to be obedient to what God was speaking into their lives. I’ve learnt so much in this way through the experiences of others – just as we learn so much from the biblical accounts of the men and women of faith who fill the pages of our Bible.

On this last day of 2014 I’d like to encourage you to take time out before the day ends to look back on your own life and write down all the things you can think of which God has done for you. Then meditate on each one of them, giving thanks to Him for the ways He has directed your steps. It’s also a great time to look at those things that have not gone so well because of your own wrong choices or disobedience. What better way could there be to end the old year than to say sorry to God for those things and ask His forgiveness, knowing that His Word says He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). It’s God’s way of helping you to prepare a clean foundation for all that lies ahead.

People with thankful hearts are a joy to be with – may I also encourage you to share some of the things that God has done with others so you can share the joy around!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the amazing way in which you love to lead and direct our steps. I’m so grateful, Lord, for all you’ve done for me. Forgive me, Lord, for the mistakes I’ve made and help me to prepare a new and restored foundation for all that lies ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.