As we approach Thanksgiving, it's quite natural to count our blessings—the good health, the thriving team, the growing ministry, and those Sundays where everything falls perfectly into place. But this Thanksgiving week, let's flip the script on gratitude. Let's dig into the more difficult, uncomfortable, and even painful times that ultimately lead to significant transformations within our church staff and ourselves.
Often, our most transformational instances don't come as readily recognizable blessings. In fact, they often take the form of burdens. The Bible is filled with such examples—Joseph being betrayed and sold but later realizing God's intentions for good, or Paul's thorn in the flesh that illustrates how God's grace is sufficient, and His power is perfected in our weakness. Even Jesus's experience of Gethsemane challenged the conventional wisdom of what we ask and what we ultimately receive.
Many of us have gone through seasons where it seemed God gave us the opposite of what we asked for—times that felt like dead ends. Yet, if we look back, we'll see these experiences often form our character, shape our perspectives, and deepen our empathy—the lessons that we wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
So even if this year didn't turn out as you planned, it's worth pondering if this was exactly what God intended. Not as punishment, but as a lesson to deepen, strengthen, and build something unbreakable within you.
As a practical challenge this Thanksgiving, don't just express gratitude for things you like. Be thankful for experiences God is currently using to shape you—the painful gifts that are presently moulding you. What if the present pain is not a detour but a transformative path towards a better version of you?
Consider writing a short prayer of Thanksgiving for something currently unresolved in your life. Let that be an honest act of trust and thanksgiving this week. If you'd like to share these transformative experiences, or if you find solace in true stories of resilience, tune in to the Healthy Church Staff Podcast for more insights.
The true beauty of this season lies not just in the peace we enjoy, but also in the pain that shapes us. Let's embrace this perspective of gratitude during Thanksgiving, knowing that our trials are not mere stumbling blocks, but stepping stones leading us to growth and transformation.