Thanks For Nothing
November 21st, 2009 | Category: From The Pastor
“Thanks for nothing!” is used derisively to express disdain or disappointment. The prophet Habakkuk however as much as said “Thanks for nothing!” (Habakkuk 3:17-19) to God and really meant it as an expression of gratitude. Job, similarly, remained grateful to God when his life seemed to be falling apart. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him,” (Job 13:15) was his affirmation.
It is easy to be thankful when all is going well. But, what about when little or nothing appears to go our way? If you know Christ personally as your Savior then you already possess the greatest blessing – the gift of eternal life.
It is right to “count your many blessings” and thank God for all He has done for us. But we should also be thankful to Him when there seem to be no temporal blessings worth counting. I am thankful for many things – a wonderful wife and family, good health, the privilege of being one of your pastors, a new grandson born this year, your many expressions of love during Pastor’s Appreciation month . . . well, I could go
on and on.
I am especially thankful for how God is working in our church family. Recently when I was feeling rather down one night, I received some written testimonies to proof read for our next church newsletter. Tears appeared in my eyes as I was reminded of how God is at work in our church body. Some of these can be seen right here at our website. I hope you’ll take the time to read them.
Most of all, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who has saved me from my sin. If I had no other blessings, I believe I could honestly say with gratitude to Him, “Thanks for nothing!” because I would still have everything that matters.
In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5:18).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Michael Stine was called to serve Clear Fork Alliance Church in March 1984. He graduated from Ohio State in 1974 and received his Master of Divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in 1978. In June of 1984 he was awarded his doctoral degree, also from Ashland. Pastor Mike married Patricia Maglott of Bellville in 1975. The Stine's have three daughters; two married and a teenager at home.
