Thank God For Helpers – Gratitude Part 6

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:4

13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT) 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:4 NLT)

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a devotional about thanking God for people with whom we’ve had relationships in different places and seasons of our lives, and intentionally thanking God for them when we think of them. Today I’m directing our thoughts and our gratitude to a different group of people.

Paul was thankful for the Thessalonian brothers and sisters and for their faith and their ministry, and he was thankful for the Corinthian believers and the many spiritual gifts they were using to bless others. I’d like for us to think of and be thankful for the people in our communities and beyond who are using their abilities, doing their jobs, even risking their lives, to serve others.

Let’s Thank God for: Medical professionals, doctors, nurses, and other staff. First responders: fire and safety, EMT’s, local police, sheriffs, state police, 911 dispatchers. Truck drivers who keep goods and supplies moving across the nation. Delivery people who are bringing food, medicine, packages, and supplies to our homes and businesses. Educators finding ways to keep the learning process going whether all the schools are open or closed as they were during the pandemic. Public utilities and service employees keeping the water running, electricity on, rubbish picked up, communications systems working. Grocery store and pharmacy staff, food preparers. I’m sure I’ve left out as many as I’ve named. My apologies!

Friends, Let’s not only thank God for them, let’s find creative ways to thank and bless them as well. Let’s reach out with our thanks and with acts of service and kindness to them all.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for the helpers. Thanks for the servants. Thanks for those who are risking and sacrificing for us all. Please refresh them. Please keep them safe from harm and disease. Please keep them mentally and emotionally healthy. By your grace. Amen.