I don’t slide into discouragement often, and yet there I was.
It should be easy to be grateful, especially when you can look around and count the reasons why you should be grateful.
Yet this optimistic girl was down.
I sat in the chair and held open my hands.
Tears came.
There’s no need to share the reason why I was down, but I am telling you this because when you are in ministry you can sometimes share only the good parts. If I do that, I make that person who is struggling feel like something is wrong with her.
Not gonna do that. Not today. Not ever.
Sometimes we all have bad days. Sometimes we all struggle with feelings that are heavy. Sometimes we think that something is going to turn out one way, and it doesn’t.
That day I walked up the stairs and sat down one more time.
That’s when this prayer came.
Lord, see my feet? I place them once again in that hollowed out place where you just stepped. My feet conform to the cool sand, and my heart conforms to your leading. It’s my privilege to say yes to you, even when it’s hard. It’s my privilege to follow you.
Help me to take good care of those who you’ve placed on my heart, for they were on yours first. But remind me that it’s not my job to be God, for you do that well. Just let me be Suzie, following Jesus, listening for your voice, whispering yes all the way. Amen.
I believe that raw and honest prayer is the most sincere form of gratitude, because even when we don’t have all the answers, or when feelings weigh on us, we are thanking God for his refuge.
Raw and honest prayer can be the most sincere form of gratitude.
We are telling him that we trust him, no matter what.
We are in week four of the study. It’s gone by fast, hasn’t it? t don’t know if you are studying alone, or if you are in a group but I’m so thankful you’ve chosen to be a part.
Let’s dig deeper into this topic of “living a life of thank you.”
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Suzie
- Read Chapter Seven
- Watch the video
- Use the prompt at the end of the video to create discussion
- Answer the questions at the end of Chapter Seven
- Bonus: Write your own prayer of gratitude and surrender
I’m going through a period of hard lessons. Thank you Suzie for reminding me to be grateful for what I have and the people around me and take the focus away from hurt and bitterness. Today I choose to be grateful.
Father, heal Nancy’s back and her spirit. You are faithful to walk with her today and everyday. Thank you for this warrior who loves you and loves people. Be her strength today in Jesus’ name.
Love the visual of our feet slipping into His footsteps. During my current situation I’m so grateful He goes before us. Just a little ahead of us. Not out of view if we keep our eyes fixed. Leading us on to follow Him. #ComeWithMe
This lesson was such a blessing and made me really think about how ungrateful I often am. You are so right Suzie, it just makes you so miserable to look around and think , If only I had a newer home, if only my husband did this or that, if only … the list can go on and on. I’ve realized I have robbed myself of joy in so many ways by my grumbling of discontentment. I loved this chapter. Really made me think about how much God has blessed me with. I love this book and am so thankful for your honesty and sincerity . You are such a blessing!
What a powerful way to frame that, Linda. That we “rob ourselves.” Thanks for sharing that!