Our generous God

February 7, 2007

By Greg Ebie

Stop for a moment and think about everything God has done for you. Try to move past the broad generalities and recall specific blessings God has brought into your life. Here are five things God did for me to help you prime the pump.

God forgave me of my sin and rescued me from myself. I grew up in the church and knew right from wrong, but I got on the wrong path for awhile. I’m glad God pulled me out of my self-made pit; He didn’t have to, but He did because He loves me.

God has given me a wonderful wife in Susie. To think I nearly threw away her love, but God put it in her heart to forgive me too. She is a tangible expression of God’s love to me; God gave me the very best.

God has given Susie and me five of the best kids in the world. We have learned love is never divided; it only multiplies and grows. Chrysta, Gracie, Greg, Pearl and Mike have brought us more joy than anything this world could ever offer. (And there is still more to come!)

God has directed me along the path of life. I can recall eight specific times the Lord helped me through some employment transitions; some of which were very uncomfortable. Yet I knew God was leading in the midst of it. That’s why I’m a pastor today.

God has provided everything we need and more. He has given us a home to live in and vehicles to drive. We have an abundance of clothes; there’s lots of food in the house. We are free from the bondage of debt. The Lord is our healer and gives us strength for each day.

When we stop to remember everything God has done for us, it is overwhelming. Our lives should overflow with praise because God is great; God is good! (Read that again, out loud.)

If we really believe God has done wonderful things for us, it should be natural to tell others about Him. A life of thanksgiving and praise is one of the best testimonies we can share with those who still do not know God. What He has done for us He will do for others!

“Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God — worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, take the news of his glory to the lost, news of his wonders to one and all!” (Psalm 96:1-3, The Message).

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.