May
1998
Fourth Day Devotion
by Tammy Dowless
 
O, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endureth forever.
Psalms 136:1

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son… give thanks… give thanks… 

In the months prior to my walk, when circumstances had left me with no direction and a sense of total l o n e l i n e s s, God began to give my life new direction. This path that He chose led me to a new church that would not only introduce me to Emmaus, but to other avenues of spiritual growth. Although I had been active in my previous church, I was challenged to experience a truly personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The leadership of this church and the love of the members embraced me in such a way that I knew there was hope. With Christ as my guide, I could claim the victory! 

In November 1994, I attended my Emmaus walk. It was a Spirit-filled weekend for which I will always be grateful. But I remember asking God "Why? Why with all the other changes I was having to adapt to, was He leading me down these paths?" I knew it was His will, but still . . . I remember my first "Fourth Day". I opened the blinds to let the sunshine in, and in my flower bed (which I had hastily destroyed the week before) was a new flower that had sprung forth and budded during my walk. I knew that this was God’s way of showing me what He would do in my life if I so allowed. He had begun transforming me into something useful and He continues that process today. He has showed me that "Why?" is not important, it’s following His path. The path hasn’t and will not always be easy, but I thank Him for the times in the past four years when I look back and see only one set of footprints. For it is in these times that I grow closer to Him. 

God opens doors enabling me to share with others what He is doing for me and I thank Him for these opportunities. I could never explain in words what my Emmaus experience means to me (As we all know you just can’t explain it!), but it has instilled in me the desire to continue to grow in His love. Discipleship studies have been great and "Experiencing God" begins soon. As a working mom and single parent, sometimes it’s tempting not to take on more commitments. But I am reminded He’s counting on me and I must count on Him to help me. 

If I had maintained a "Grateful" journal over the past four years, a few of the highlights would be 

  • a God that loved me enough to carry me when I couldn’t go
  • the leader and members of my church family
  • my Emmaus community and the privilege of serving with them
  • the Butterflies of Chrysalis
What are you grateful for today, this month, since your walk? Have you given a "Grateful" journal any thought? As our Emmaus community is opening up another avenue of sharing for us through this devotional, we should . . . give thanks . . . share our gratefulness. . . share His greatness!!! 

To God be the glory for the things He has done!! 

DeColores!