American Thanksgiving, as a celebration, is a time to give thanks to God and worship him at the close of the harvest season. It traces back to the early 17th century, when Puritan Pilgrims gathered to honor what God had provided in the new land and to give thanks for answered prayers.
Of course, we know that thanksgiving isn’t limited to one season. As God walks with us daily, we’re called to “give thanks in all circumstances,” as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Recently, God deepened my understanding of this verse through a personal experience.
I’ve lived with pathological myopia for over 15 years (extreme nearsightedness which causes degenerative changes to the back of the eye. In 2014, I nearly lost vision in my right eye due to retinal bleeding. Thankfully, my sight was restored through timely intravitreal injections, and my condition has remained stable since.
I hadn’t had my eyes checked since we move to Japan three years ago, and then, this year, a church friend referred me to a local ophthalmologist. When I arrived at the small clinic, I was astonished to discover that one of ophthalmologists is a world-renowned expert in pathological myopia. In fact, she’s often referred to as the “Queen of Myopia” within ophthalmology circles.
Who would’ve imagined that I’d meet a global expert on my rare condition in our quiet, residential part of Tokyo? I certainly didn’t. But God knew. He had already provided what I needed, even before I realized I needed it. As I continue to serve in overseas ministry, this moment reminded me that I shouldn’t only give thanks for what God has already provided—I should also give thanks for what he has planned, even if I haven’t seen it yet.
Uncertainty and worry are part of the missionary life. But God gently reminded me to give thanks and celebrate always, because he has promised to provide.
“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8 NIV).
May this be a quiet encouragement to you: keep giving thanks, even for what’s still unseen. God is already at work.
By an OMF missionary
#OMFJapan #PrayforJapan
