I couple of weeks ago I attended a ladies' retreat. Before the weekend programme began, we were all asked to write down on a piece of paper anything that we were concerned about that would in a way hinder the fruitfulness of our weekend away. As I wrote down my concern, I remember feeling a little embarrassed and uncertain on whether I should write it down or not.
Ever since last year, my brother has been trying to obtain a copy of his lost birth certificate in order to apply for a new passport. We've had such a tough time getting a copy that it really had me concerned. As I wrote this down on the piece of paper, I remember thinking how miniature this concern was compared to so many other greater concerns people have. I felt quite silly about it, but in any case still wrote it down. In the end, all the papers were placed in a basket and our concerns were prayed for.
Monday morning came and again I began to worry about this situation. So I prayed that God would intervene and make a way for my brother's birth certificate to be found. While I was at work on Tuesday afternoon, I received a surprising phone call from my cousin advising that she was at the registry office and needed some information regarding the certificate.
That same evening I received a message from her stating that they had found my brother's birth certificate. I was so overjoyed. My prayer had been answered. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
I have learned so much from this small experience. I was inclined to think back to the times when I heard my friend from church always thank God regardless of the situation. He reminded me of how important it is to be thankful for all that God has done and what He is going to do. It also reminded me that no problem is ever too big or too small for God. God knows our deepest concerns.
An issue that may appear to be so insignificant to one person may very well be an issue that is of great significance to someone else. Just because a problem appears to be so small in the eyes of another person, it doesn't necessarily mean that it doesn't matter at all. It matters to God that you are concerned about that issue. God knows our every need. I realised I didn't have to be ashamed of my prayer request. God cares and I should be bringing all my concerns to Him.
Thanksgiving
So often we forget to thank God for His blessings because our minds are clouded by our concerns. I know it can be particularly hard to be thankful even in times of trouble. But the bible teaches us that we are to always rejoice, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5 verses 16-18). I have seen the compassionate and caring hand of God even through my difficult circumstances. God took such great care of my family when my mother passed away. It was so amazing what He did.
Previous experiences should somehow be a reminder of how God makes all things work together for our own good. However, I find that we easily overlook those past experiences. This remind me of the journey that the Israelites took when God brought them out from slavery in Egypt. No matter how many times God showed the Israelites that He was with them (e.g. by providing protection, food, direction), the Israelites still grumbled!
Whenever I read this account, I always feel like slapping the Israelites and saying - "don't you just get it?" I find it so easy to point the finger at the Israelites not realising that I [we] behave in the exact same manner they did.
What I should be doing is continually placing my trust in God and praying with thanksgiving. God will supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4 verse 19). Not only should I be thanking God for the big things, but I should also be thankful for all those seemingly small things too. I am quite certain that God is pleased when we acknowledge Him in all our ways. So I should be thanking Him in everything.
Kandima Awendila was born in Mozambique and lives and works as an IT Service Desk Engineer on the Gold Coast.
Kandi Awendila's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/kandima-awendila.html