But I have noticed a trend and perhaps you will find it of some value as well.
In order for a time of thanksgiving to have it's full benefit, some things need to precede it: hardship and seeking heaven.
We can be thankful for good things that just sort of- happen; but the thanksgiving means a lot more when we have realized that we are in trouble, sought help, and been relieved of our trouble.
For instance, I am usually grateful when I have not had a flat tire on my way to work. But on one cold morning when I did have a flat tire - I was really grateful that my flat tire had occurred within about 20 yards of a dealer that repaired and sold tires (come to think of it - he was probably grateful, too).
What is often referred to as the first feast of Thanksgiving for the Pilgrims came on the heels of a near devastating drought. The leadership of the community had called a day of prayer and fasting and God responded with a gentle steady rain. With the crops revived and the hardship overcome - the band declared a time of thanksgiving.
This morning, I read yet another passage from Bradford's saga in which the congregation declared a day of fasting.
Persecution had driven them to the Netherlands, where they had spent twelve years laboring within a culture that was very strange to them. Most of them had lost or given up most all of their belongings in order to make that journey.
After a dozen years, they had hit upon what seemed to be a wonderful plan - they would establish a colony in the New World (America). But in attempting to arrange for a voyage, they had run into communication problems with their representatives, they had faced delay after delay and some that had once supported them, were changing their minds. In short - they found themselves in hardship.
It is amazing to me to think of the extreme difficulties they endured, just to have the opportunity to come to this land where they would start again with nothing and again, face unbelievable deprivation.
The small group of believers that were committed to go on the first voyage returned to England to prepare to embark. There they learned that - unbeknown to them - some parts of their original agreement with the sponsoring company, had been altered.
And they found themselves in great difficulty: should they back out of the deal altogether or should they accept this injustice? Many had already invested most everything they owned and committed to the voyage - the thought of having to return was too bitter to contemplate.
So they stopped. They declared a day of fasting.
And their Pastor began the day with this verse...
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. Ezra 8:21 NKJV
In our culture today we have to endure very few hardships.
That may not always be the case. . . . for some, that is not even the case right now. Some are wrapping up a wretched year.
When difficulties arise, let's first humble ourselves before our God and seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.
Then - when we listen and obey- I can assure you, there will be a time of thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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