I Don’t Want to Be One of the Nine — Two2Grow, Thursday, August 27
I Don’t Want to Be One of the Nine — Two2Grow, Thursday, August 27
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Luke 17:17 NIV
The first time I came to East Africa, I was 20 years old, and I spent time in very poor areas. I was struck by the joy that believers showed, especially the children. This impression has proven to be true; there is a deep joy among believers in Africa, and it is often expressed in thankfulness to God. I realized the connection between joy and thankfulness.
In our text today, Jesus healed ten people who were sick with leprosy. He sent them to go to the priest, and as they went, they were healed. Yet only one of them returned to give thanks.
It is so easy for us to forget to give thanks to God for everything He has done for us. We just go from one prayer need to another without stopping to even think about all the prayers God has already answered.
I don’t want Jesus to ask, “Wasn’t Mikael also blessed? Where is he?”
Since we don’t want to be one of the nine today is a good time to stop and reflect on what the Lord has done recently for us and give Him thanks for it.
You might still have many prayers that you are waiting to see answered, but surely there are prayers God has already answered. Focus on them right now. That will build your faith as you continue to trust God with your future.
Father, thank You for hearing me and answering my prayers. Forgive me when I act like the nine who never turned back to praise You. Today I am so thankful that You [fill in the blank]. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
The first time I came to East Africa, I was 20 years old, and I spent time in very poor areas. I was struck by the joy that believers showed, especially the children. This impression has proven to be true; there is a deep joy among believers in Africa, and it is often expressed in thankfulness to God. I realized the connection between joy and thankfulness.
In our text today, Jesus healed ten people who were sick with leprosy. He sent them to go to the priest, and as they went, they were healed. Yet only one of them returned to give thanks.
It is so easy for us to forget to give thanks to God for everything He has done for us. We just go from one prayer need to another without stopping to even think about all the prayers God has already answered.
I don’t want Jesus to ask, “Wasn’t Mikael also blessed? Where is he?”
Since we don’t want to be one of the nine today is a good time to stop and reflect on what the Lord has done recently for us and give Him thanks for it.
You might still have many prayers that you are waiting to see answered, but surely there are prayers God has already answered. Focus on them right now. That will build your faith as you continue to trust God with your future.
Father, thank You for hearing me and answering my prayers. Forgive me when I act like the nine who never turned back to praise You. Today I am so thankful that You [fill in the blank]. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD