A Posture of Gratitude

This Thursday is a day to celebrate with family and friends – a national holiday in the United States. Thanksgiving is part of the collective American experience.

There is much to be thankful for. And we, as Christians, of all people, should be the most grateful. Gratitude to God for saving us, bringing us out of the darkness of sin and bondage and into hope and freedom, should spring out of us now and echo through eternity. It should be a glorious song of joy and grace.

For over 150 years, we have celebrated Thanksgiving as a nation. In the fall of 1863, with the canons and carnage of Gettysburg in mind, a National Day of Thanksgiving was created. This day is more than a meal – it is a story of gratitude and faith.

The Thanksgiving Day proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln begins with these hopeful yet sobering words:

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.”

Yes, there is much to be thankful for in our country. Thanks to God is the cornerstone of the proclamation of Thanksgiving Day. I pray that we are mindful of God’s blessings and grateful for His care.

Through SAT-7, I have also seen Christians in the Middle East and North Africa model humility and gratitude, despite trials and difficulties. Their joy is genuine, and their attitudes encourage me to be grateful. They may not celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday as we do, but they are thankful to God for His mercy. Thankful, that as they are isolated or persecuted for their faith, their God loves them, protects them, and provides for them.  The truth is, they model faithful living and thankfulness for me.

I am grateful to you for playing a key role in making God’s love visible in the Middle East and North Africa.

I pray you have a wonderful day, and I ask you to join SAT-7 and me in a posture of gratitude, not only today, but every day of the year. May God bless you and your family.

Happy Thanksgiving,

John Cerniglia
President, SAT-7 USA