Richard Roberts wants to share something to you.In 1863, at a time when America was being torn apart by the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day…a day of giving thanks and praise to our “beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Even in the midst of what must have been a devastating time, Lincoln found the strength of character to lead this country in acknowledging its many blessings and the part that God played in them.
He made it clear Who he believed was the Source of America’s blessings when he said, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.” I thank God for the faith of Abraham Lincoln, and for his gift to this country of Thanksgiving Day. We believe it’s an honor and a privilege to set aside this one day of the year to give God glory and honor and thanks for all He has given us in this great country.
Our family is just like other families on Thanksgiving Day. We enjoy getting together for a turkey dinner, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. And we appreciate all of the tradition associated with that day. But Thanksgiving is really about giving thanks to God and acknowledging that He is the Source of all the blessings we enjoy. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, James 1:17 NKJV tells us, and comes down from the Father of lights.
There are many reasons for giving God thanks on Thanksgiving Day…and every other day of the year, as well. But here are four of the most powerful reasons I know of:
1. When we repent, He forgives our sins. Not only does God forgive our sins (1 John 1:9), but He also blots them out and breaks their power and control over our lives (Isaiah 43:25).
2. Through Jesus’ blood, we can be healed. He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses (Matthew 8:17). He also told us to lay hands on the sick and they would recover, making our hands an extension of His own hands of deliverance (Mark 16:18).
3. He gives us faith to overcome life’s obstacles. God is the giver of faith and the banisher of fear. He has given every person the measure of faith(Romans 12:3), and when we use the power of our faith, it can drive out any fear that we’re facing.
4. He provided the way for our prosperity. God has made our giving a seed we sow, not a debt we owe. He paid our debt on Calvary. Now when we sow seed to Him, He multiplies that seed and brings the increase (2 Corinthians 9:10).
We have so many benefits as God’s children; it’s hard to remember them all. God forgives, heals, protects, satisfies, renews our youth—and crowns us with His love and mercy! How blessed we are! In this Thanksgiving season, I and Richard Roberts encourage you to stop for a moment and begin to praise God for what He has already done in your life, and what you’re going to trust Him to do in the future.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.
—Psalm 103:2 NKJV