Key Bible Verse: No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Bonus Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19a

People who want to volunteer here at UrbanPromise Ministries aren't unusual. Sadly, many lack skills or don't follow through on their intentions. So when the caller said, "My name is Jack Harvey. Could you use any volunteer help? I've been laid off from my job," I was dubious. "What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"I can do most anything—fix vans, cut lawns, clean bathrooms …" Since I'd just let my maintenance man go because of budget cuts, this was beginning to sound good. "How 'bout tomorrow?" I said.

By ten the next morning our new volunteer was propelling the mower through six-inch-high grass. I paused, on my way to lunch, to thank him for his efforts. "Jack!" I yelled over the whine of the engine. He throttled the mower down. "Thanks for being so generous with your time. I really appreciate it."

"God gave me this time as a gift," he replied. "I want to use it to bless others." As I headed off to my car I reflected on how, instead of turning bitter, stressed, or anxious, this young man had decided to view his current circumstances as part of a larger drama being directed by God, and his time as a gift to be shared.

—Bruce Main in Spotting the Sacred

My Response: Do I see a setback as a curse/punishment, or look for the gift/blessing?

Adapted from Spotting the Sacred (Baker, 2006) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Move me, Lord, beyond appreciation for desires granted to gratitude for all Your wisdom allows.

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