"CHOOSE GRATITUDE"

Rev. Dr. N Patrick Marica
Aug 21, 2021
2 min read

A good friend of mine has recently experienced the loss of a very close friend. Despite her grief, she wrote on her Facebook page "...I want to choose gratitude through my grief."

My thoughts exactly. When I was so very ill with Covid-19, I made conscious choices to be thankful. To be as active as I could. To praise. To be convicted that God would restore me fully. Years ago I was reading Luke 2. I saw something I has not seen before (which so often happens). Jesus said it was "time to be about His Fathers business". It dawned on me that it was time to make the 100% commitment. Not 99%, but 100%. Nothing else would do. I was going to live this "Jesus thing" or I wasn't. I chose Jesus. I was going to live this life for Jesus to the fullest extent. I began to understand the road to sanctification in a way I never had before. it wouldn't be glamorous nor would it be perfect by any stretch. I would fail many times (and Lord knows I have!) but I would pursue Him with everything I have. I have done just that. My faith dictated that I would trust Him no matter what happened.

I realized that salvation isn't enough. There's a calling to be pursued. It gives my life a meaning and purpose that fills me like nothing else. There's a life path to followed.

Jeremiah 6:16:

"This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

My wife, Kathy, will tell you how driven I am. I realized that the verbal 100% commitment was the missing piece in my life.

Now, in the midst of our daughters very serious battle with Covid, I have "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:7). Despite the grief in observing our daughter fight valiantly for her life, I have "... the joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Neh 8:10). Hundreds are praying for her! And we so look forward to her healing and God fully restoring her!

Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary on this blog on a regular basis. He id the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and a DMIN from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook" He is the Director of Godly Training Ministries. He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an extraordinary son-in-law.