Even though it’s November and Turkey Day is fast approaching, these days it might seem a little tough to be thankful.  Many things seem so uncertain.  The Wall Street and banking mess has us concerned about our futures, our retirements, and our pensions (to name a few worries linked to that).  The election centers around issues that have us concerned about the direction our country is headed in and we pray for the right leader to be called forth.  The war dragging on has us concerned for our families, our friends, and our safety.  These are indeed uncertain times. But we are not the first to have gone through perilous times looking for a new hope to sustain us. 

     Consider the Israelites in the Exodus, looking to escape the yoke of slavery in Egypt.  Before getting to the promised land, they had to cross the perils of the Red Sea and endure 40 years of uncertainly in the wilderness.  But God guided them through those uncertain times. 

     Consider the pilgrims.  They saw Europe as an “Egypt,” the Atlantic as the Red Sea, and these shores as the Promised Land.  Interpreting their experience in light of the Exodus story is what enabled them to face the hardships of those beginning years. They were sure that God had guided them from bondage to freedom, and they could endure suffering because they believed that through it they would be led to freedom and a better life.  God guided them through uncertain times as well.

     God will also guide us through our uncertain times. This is the promise of Christ, of the Cross, and of Faith.  I’m not sure what the days ahead will look like but I’m certain that God is with us and there is always a reason to give thanks.  For Thanksgiving is a time, like Passover, when families gather at the table. Another joyful occasion to commemorate faith and the safe crossing of wide waters (whatever those troubles might be), a time to give thanks for the promise of deliverance and freedom.

     So even though we have some uncertain days, let us give thanks that God loves us, Christ iswith us, and the Spirit is guiding us.  Thanks be to God. 

Of course, that's what I think,

   Pastor Will