Gregory Jantz tells of a group of pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail. For weeks they all suffered from a scarcity of water and grass for their animals. Most of the wagons had broken down causing endless delays in the stifling heat. Irritation and bickering prevailed while optimism and gratefulness dissipated.
One evening the leaders called a meeting to air complaints. When the people gathered around the campfire, one man stood up and said, “Before we commence with our grief session, don’t you think we should at least first thank God that he has brought us this far with no loss of life, with no serious trouble from the Indians, and that we have enough strength left for the journey?’ The other settlers agreed.
After a period of prayer, all that could be heard were the cries of a distant pack of wolves. There was otherwise stone silence around the campfire, because no one had any grievances they felt were important enough to voice.
These pioneers suddenly realized if they couldn’t be satisfied with what they had received, they could at least be thankful for what they had escaped. Thankfulness had opened their eyes to see the mercies of God they had been overlooking.
I was in France this past week when a mentally ill pilot took control of an airliner and deliberately flew it into an Alpine mountainside. That pilot could have been my pilot. As I pray for the families who lost loved ones on Germanwings Flight 9525, I must honestly admit that I am also thankful that I escaped such a tragedy.
Let me make a suggestion about the time you spend in prayer this week. Think of all the things you have escaped over the course of your life and then give thanks to God that you “have made it safe thus far” and are still here.
Richard
Like you, I have thanked God for the many situations in which He has kept me safe and He will continue to do so until it is time form me to be called Home. Blessings, SG