Having a Grateful Heart
“As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:12-16 NIV
Sharra told us at Sandwiches and Scriptures last Tuesday how grateful she was for the prayer she received from Debby. God had truly answered her prayer. Sharra had talked with Debby at Dinner Church one Wednesday evening that her adult son was acting uncontrollably violent. He had broken things, including the window of her van that she was living in. Sharra was extremely upset about her unpredictable son, and was worried he would commit more violence.
She said that after praying with Debby her son had stopped his destructive behavior. She was so thankful to God and kept saying how grateful she was for Debby’s prayer. Sharra went on to say God had helped her find a place to live and to obtain a car to replace her old worn-out van. All of us gathered around the tables at Sandwiches and Scriptures rejoiced with her. We do not always have such great answers to prayer in our ministry. But when we do receive such blessings, we do want to thank God and praise him for his divine intervention.
So many who come to CCDC have difficult lives, but they have seen God’s intervention and believe God truly answers their prayers. I find that many of those who endure the disadvantages and struggles of living in poverty are the most grateful people. They readily express their faith and share how thankful they are to God. I have been deeply moved by their genuine gratitude.
People whom Jesus healed experienced an amazing transformation of their bodies. But they did not all receive a transformation of their hearts. We learn, in the story of Jesus healing ten lepers, that only one came back to thank Jesus for healing them. Jesus wondered where the others were that were healed. I admit how easy it is to take for granted our answers to our prayers. When I hear how grateful are those who have so little and endure so much, I realize that I’m not grateful enough. Both Debby and I are being taught to live with more gratitude to God for our blessings.
Our volunteers feel the same way. They hear the stories like Sharra’s from many of those who come to CCDC. These stories of God answering prayers lift our spirits and open us up to being thankful for God’s hand at work in our lives. Being grateful in turn encourages us to be generous to give to those in need.
Come join us in serving others who need our prayers and support. We will see more and more prayers being answered. To God be the glory!!
May God’s Peace be with you,
Pastor Jim and Debby Riley