February 15, 2008
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon 6
For many years as I would read the opening paragraph of this sincere and personal letter to Philemon, my own heart would overflow with gratitude and praise for all the Christian people the LORD has placed in my life: my parents and early teachers who taught me of Jesus and the plan of salvation; Bible study leaders, pastors, friends and family with strong faith who have prayed for me and encouraged my faith; my church, which preaches the true Word; books, music and Christian radio which have continued to teach me and help me walk closely with the LORD.
Sometimes I have wondered just why my own life has been so blessed. I was placed by God into a Christian family; I attended a Lutheran school; I live in a Christian community and in a country where I am free to worship. Why shouldn't I be filled with gratitude? It seems that my faith has been so easily handed to me.
In more recent years, as I thank God for the faith which I share in common with others, God has also filled my heart with a great appreciation of the faith I see in people with whom I seem to have little in common. I thank Him in prayer for people around the world who are severely persecuted for their faith, and also for the people God has put directly in my path who show unwavering faith despite great personal hardships: a troubled single mom; a handicapped couple who face tremendous struggles with society; a very low income woman who still puts God first with her tithes and prayers. I am humbled as I thank God for their tremendous witness to me and for their faithfulness to Him. As I beseech His blessings on their behalf, my own heart overflows with gratitude and praise!
O LORD, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that I am a part of Your family! Let me never think that I am more deserving than any other person of all the wonderful blessings You have showered upon me. Please help me to always be sensitive to the world around me and its many unsaved souls. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always ready to share Your love and Your wonderful plan of salvation with people You put in my path. In the Name of Your precious Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Pamella Christensen