Dear Faith Family,

"always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;” Ephesians 1:15-16.

In our home, we’ve developed a Thanksgiving (that’s tomorrow in case you weren’t sure!) tradition.  Every year those gathered around our table share something for which they are thankful.

You can imagine some of the regulars:  family, health, good food.  And, normally, someone shares something big that they have gone through in the past year.  Have you thought of what you’re thankful for yet?

I’m thankful for covid!  Pretty sure that won’t make the top ten list.  Why would I give thanks for something that jump started a fifteen day 102+ degree fever, took me on my first ambulance ride, and left me with a parting gift of a blood clot?!

Well, first, God said to give thanks for all things.  That’s each and every thing.  But covid?  Really?  Here’s the thing.  I am thankful that God is sovereign, even over covid.  Can you imagine staring down the barrel of covid without a sovereign God who is the ever-present Lord?

Cyndi and I have experienced His presence throughout this ordeal.  Let me whet your appetite.  On Saturday, October 17, I was with my mother.  I was at her house to cut her grass.  Three days later, my health began to deteriorate.  I left the office at lunchtime on the 20^th.  My mother did not contract the virus.  What a gracious act of our sovereign God.

For the next few weeks I would like to share some of my experiences with our God and why I had to have covid.  Wait!  What was that last line?  Ok.  I’ve probably raised more questions than answers.  Guess you’ll have to tune in next week if you want more.

In the meantime, between family, turkey (now there’s a fun topic), football (wonder who gets to beat my Gamecocks this week?), and naps, I’m going to thank God for covid.

Happy Thanks Giving,
Pastor Karl