Gratitude

Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods. Exodus 18:11 (NKJV)

In my parent's home is a beautiful oval oak stand with softly curved legs. It was hand-made by a man who was suffering from years of alcoholism. The stand was a gift of appreciation for the friendship my dad shared with him. After years of weekly prayers at our Wednesday night church services and many visits and hours of friendly conversation and sharing the gospel, my dad received a call one night. This man, my dad's friend, wanted to accept God's gift of salvation, and he wanted my dad to be there with him. What a great example us; the importance of the respect these two men developed for each other. My dad was not harsh and demanding, ridiculing or impatient. As a result, he was always welcome in the home of his friend. The beautiful oak stand is a symbol of gratitude. Dad's friend is in heaven now, and I am thankful for the memories of how God worked in his life.

When Moses was fleeing from Pharoah, he found himself in the desert near Midian. He came upon some women, and he helped them through a dispute at the local well. Their father Jethro, in appreciation, invited Moses to their home, and Moses stayed there. During that time he married Jethro's daughter Zipporah. Jethro was not an Israelite.

Sometime after their two sons were born, God called Moses to lead the Israelites. Exodus chapters 3-17 tell of all the trials, plagues, deliverances and provisions God allowed on their journey. After forty years, upon their return, Jethro was reunited with Moses and they headed for the tent to talk. Jethro had heard the stories, but Moses re-told them all. Jethro then worshiped God wholeheartedly and rejoiced for all the good the Lord had done. In verse 10 he acknowledged that it was God who had delivered the people. Jethro came to recognize the one true God. Moses' one act of kindness more than forty years before began the process God used in Jethro's life to bring him to that realization.

The next day, Jethro watched Moses as he sat to listen and judge the disputes of the Israelites. Jethro realized the difficulty and suggested to Moses that he delegate some of these duties to other qualified men. Because of the respect and gratitude these two men had for each other, Jethro was able to approach Moses. Moses, certainly grateful for a wise solution, heeded the good advice of his father-in-law.

The definition of gratitude is simple; thankful appreciation for favors received. Gratitude does not happen overnight. It develops over time and deepens through experiences and relationships. When we walk with God, we cannot ignore the favor He shows us. Thankfulness comes easily, along with a desire to please God more.

Would others be able to say about us that our Lord is greater than all gods (anything we put in ahead of God)? Do our lives reflect the thankful appreciation we have for the favor God has shown us? Are we willing to be patient and diligent as we allow God to use us in the life of someone who is struggling in sin?

Our prayer can be from the words of a song:

I'm forever grateful to You; I'm forever grateful for the cross. I'm forever grateful to You; that You came to seek and save the lost.

Janet Stutzman