Thankfulness

You know the name, the man, and his mission. But there may be something you do not know about him...this powerful preacher from England.

John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University, but in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, while talking with a porter, he discovered that the poor man had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn't even have a bed. Yet he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God.

Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man's misfortunes. "And what else do you thank God for?" he said with a touch of sarcasm.

The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, "I thank Him that He has given me my life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!" Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thankfulness.

Many years later John Wesley lay on his deathbed at the age of 88. And despite his extreme weakness, Wesley began singing the hymn, "I'll Praise My Maker While I've Breath."

How about you? Have you learned to praise your Maker while you still have breath, just as Wesley learned to do? If you have, please help me share His goodness with others.

Blessings,

Willie Jordan