As some of you know, my family and I are in a transitional phase of ministry, and we have been that way for 10 months now! We never imagined it would have lasted this long. It is my heart desire and calling to pastor a local church. However, God has allowed this time away from the pulpit to teach me so that I could better teach His people. The process, though, has been trying on our faith and strength. Speaking with dozens and dozens of churches only increases the sorrow and discouragement. Each time a church has decided against me as pastor, I have felt the blow. This has been 10 months of emotional and spiritual roller coaster rides, not to mention the enormous financial pressure. OK - enough of that - you get the picture.

Last week was a particularly difficult one for us, especially since it was my wife's birthday. However, the Lord sustained us, and we are thankful. Not only did he sustain us, though, He taught us through His Word. On Wednesday evening our pastor presented an overview of Philippians. I knew immediately when he began to teach that this one was for me! The main point that he stressed was that we can have joy no matter the circumstances of life. God softly tugged on my heart and encouraged me to not only get through this trial, but to do so with joy! I determined that evening that by the grace of God I will have joy whether or not I have sufficient income or a pulpit!

This past Sunday morning our pastor preached a message on thanksgiving from Colossians 3:15-17. The main point being that believers can be thankful no matter the circumstances of life! Again, this one was for me! God softly tugged on my heart again and strengthened me to be thankful for my present difficulties. Somehow and in some way, God is using this for His glory and my good! And I am thankful for it!

So along with the multitude of other blessings that I am grateful for on this Thanksgiving, at the top of my list is the Word of God. I am thankful for the Word. God uses His Word to correct us, strengthen us, and teach us just in our time of need! Thank you, dear Lord, for Your Word.