One of the joys of serving as a pastor is getting to see the small, steady ways God is at work in people's lives. The apostle Paul begins 2 Thessalonians with gratitude for the church. It's not that things were perfect among the congregation. But he could see their faith growing. And when faith grows, even just a little, it is a reason to give thanks to God.
I know we often think of spiritual growth as big, impactful, or dramatic moments. But I see faith growing in the simple choices people make. Things like deciding to participate in worship on a regular basis. Showing up to serve even when things are hectic. Praying again or for the first time. When someone forgives when it would feel easier to hold a grudge. These aren't the kinds of things people automatically notice. But they matter deeply because they are signs of God shaping and reshaping our lives from the inside out.
As a pastor, I often get to see these things happen in conversations after worship, through tears no one else sees, or through courage that doesn't want to draw attention to itself. Like Paul, I feel a deep sense of gratitude because I am a witness to the Spirit's work among the people I serve. There's no denying the evidence of God's grace at work!
Today, take a moment to look at your own life. Can you name a place where your faith is growing or maturing? It may be something subtle, and it may feel insignificant to you. But that doesn't mean it's not worth noticing. If your faith is growing at all, God is behind it. That makes it something worth giving thanks for.
And thank you for letting me get to witness what God is doing in your life.
Stay blessed...john | 
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