Thankfulness & a whole state

I am reminded of Luke 17:11-19 where Jesus healed the ten lepers. He was at the border between Galilee and Samaria, and there were these lepers. Of course they could not go into town, they were an abomination! No one wanted to see them. They were an eye sore! They dripped. They were smelly. The flesh was being eaten. Except Jesus! So they called on Jesus, asking Him to heal them. And Jesus being our healer, spoke the word of healing to them. He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

However only one came back to give thanks to Jesus. They others went their way. Some discovered that they could now stay in town; maybe get a job; maybe get married and have a family! All these new and good options presented themselves, and so they did not have time to consider the miracle. They did not have time to think and ponder on their former state and present state. It is when we look intently at what God has done and appreciate it that we can truly give thanks.

Jesus asked of the nine, but they were nowhere to be found. However this man knew to give thanks. He shouted out praise to Jesus, and even fell at His feet in adoration and thankfulness.

Jesus looked at Him and spoke these profound words, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

What did He mean ‘made you well?

Jesus was talking of a total state. A whole state: a total wellness of the mind, body and soul. Some people ask for prosperity; what good is prosperity if you are sick or your home is not doing well? Some ask for a big house; what good is the house if one is depressed? What good is the car; if one is disobedient to God!

Whole state. This is what God has for us. And thankfulness gets us there. I encourage you to be busy thanking God. Thank Him for the good times; thank Him for your struggles and suffering also! Thank Him for every teardrop you shed. Some might ask, ‘Why must I thank Him for my suffering?’ Well, because through that suffering you will learn obedience; and obedience brings blessings into your life. It brings a whole state of being!

Linda Faith

Linda faith is the editor of Jewels Magazine. She co-pastors along with her husband Revival Worship Church, Tampa. She is a prolific writer and powerful speaker, inspiring many women to be all God has called them to be. She is the founder of Joy Women’s conference which reaches out to empower, inspire and motivate women in their faith walk.