One Sunday our pastor told us about an experience author Max Lucado had on a family outing. Their goal was to visit and reach the top of a snow-capped mountain. They were able to drive most of the way in their SUVs, but for the last mile they had to hike on foot. As soon as they were out of their vehicles and standing in snow, Lucado’s youngest daughter, about three or four, said to her father, “Pick me up. Pick me up.” As the going was tough, other family members took turns carrying the child.

As soon as they reached the top and put the child down, excitedly she exclaimed, “I did it! I did it!”

For those of us who are followers of Jesus, do we regularly consider all that God has done for us—how he has saved some of us from a life of debauchery, defeat, and despair … how he has carried us through the storms of life, protected us from evil, and delivered us from many temptations? Or do we, like the little child, pat ourselves on the back for our goodness, take pride in our self-righteousness, and say at least within our heart, “I did it! I did it!”

Or, like the hymn writer do we constantly say from our heart, “To God be the glory, great things he has done?”

This one thing I know, but for the grace of God I wouldn’t be where I am today. I tremble to think where and how I would have ended up. It certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how do I appreciate ‘thee’? Let me count the ways. Endless they would be. How I thank you for saving me, for delivering me, for keeping me, for forgiving me, for inviting me to be a part of your family, for making me the person I am today and, above all, for dying for me and giving me the gift of eternal life. Help me to live a life that is a thanksgiving offering to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV).