Father, I thank you for this day. This simple prayer is how I begin and end each day. As someone who has had a few near-death experiences, I find it necessary to thank Him for every day He blesses me with. Being thankful can be easy when life is great, but finding reasons to be thankful is difficult during life’s trials. Our faith allows us to be grateful for these days, even when things look bleak. The unknowns of life have a way of weighing on us and hurting our faith.
Faith is an amazing thing; we trust in Him, not knowing what lies ahead. My grandfathers kept their faith during the Korean War, and my brother kept his faith during Operation Enduring Freedom. These three men did not know what the next ten minutes would hold, let alone the next day. I have listened to their stories of what they endured during those times of chaos, and it made me realize that my own struggles and trials seemed trivial compared to what they faced daily. Yet we all face something in life that feels like it can break us, maybe even draw us away from our faith.
Even through my own struggles, near-death experiences, and heartbreaks, my faith has never wavered, just like those brave men I call family. Going into each day knowing that our Father in Heaven knows our stories, every detail of our lives, assures us that even through the bad moments, He will use them for His good and bring us through our storm. Knowing that our Father gives peace and strength to face trials and tribulations gives us a shining light at the end of that journey. A comfort that is supernatural and can not be explained to those who do not know Him.
When we thank Him in the midst of hurt, we are letting Him know our faith is in His plan. The lessons learned from our journeys are that, whether times are good or bad, He never leaves our side. We must stay focused on Him so we can walk through the storms, but when the storms distract us, He will be there to pull us up above the water. So, during the hard times and the fantastic times, take time to thank Him for the day He has given you to be here and to work for Him.
Having faith that Jesus is who He said He is gives us salvation and a place in the Kingdom with the Father. Faith that He knows what is best for us lets us live a life that is glorified. Yet faith does not come without struggles. We are never guaranteed a life without problems, just that we will have a Savior and a Father who will never leave us. So, Father, I thank you for this day, a day when I can talk to those who know You and those who will come to know You. Guide us through this life and build our Faith in You. •
by Cory Jeans
