Can we be Thankful in the Midst of Hurt and Pain?

Often times we have traveled to disaster sites to where there has been a lot of hurt and pain, even during the holidays. Lost homes, lost belongings, and yes, even the loss of a loved one. It is a pain that is so deep for those going through it. 

People have asked, "How do you keep your faith strong in these times?" The only answer I can give, "It is only by leaning on Him, praying and staying in His Word. But it is also because of the prayers that have gone up for us."  

We hurt with the people, it is hard to stand with them at a funeral service or in front of the yard where their house once stood. But, when we are there during those times, is when we really feel the Presence of God. Why? Because of the prayers of the people that are going up from all over the world.  

Often times we arrive at a flood, tornado or hurricane only to find out there were storms already going on in a family, such as the recent loss of a loved one, a family member dealing with terminal illness. The physical storm may have brought us there, but God had us there for another reason. 

These prayers that are continually going up for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Chaplains, Samaritan's Purse, or even when we are serving with the local law enforcement agencies, this is how we get through and keep the faith. Because this is when we see the Hand of God working in people's lives.  

I wrote the book 'He Goes Before Us', because we have been so blessed to know that our God is alive and well and working in lives today, as He did in days of old. I wanted you to know of your answered prayers!

This Thanksgiving weekend, I am so thankful and blessed to know I have brothers and sisters in Christ that pray. I am thankful to a God that listens and answers your prayers. I am thankful to a God that shows Himself in the midst of the storms, whether it is natural or man-made. That He loves us everyday, enough to show us He cares. 

Philippians 1:3-4   I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,…

Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
gs