Stopping to Give Thanks (1/2/2026)
Sarah Hubbard shared with us today about the vital practice of stopping to give thanks—even when life feels overwhelming and the to-do list never ends. In a culture that constantly pushes us to keep moving, keep producing, and keep achieving, Sarah reminded us that God calls us to something countercultural: the rhythm of rest, remembrance, and gratitude.
Drawing from the Old Testament festivals in Leviticus 23, Sarah explored the Feast of Tabernacles—a seven-day celebration where the Israelites rejoiced over the harvest while simultaneously living in tents to remember their wilderness wanderings. God asked them to hold two things in tension: celebrate the abundance He's provided, but don't forget the journey that brought you here. Don't worship the blessing; worship the Provider.
This rhythm of stopping and remembering isn't just ancient history—it's deeply relevant for us today. Sarah challenged us to consider: What are we really relying on? Are we making room for gratitude in our lives? In a world that equates rest with lost productivity, choosing to pause and acknowledge God's faithfulness is an act of spiritual resistance.
The One Who Returned
Sarah shared the powerful story from Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks. All ten received the same miracle, but only one chose gratitude. This Samaritan leper—doubly ostracized from society—recognized the gift most clearly because he knew his own lack. Jesus told him, "Your faith has made you well," suggesting a deeper wholeness beyond physical healing.
This story teaches us three vital truths: First, gratitude isn't automatic—it's a choice. Second, gratitude reveals relationship, not just relief. The nine who left were content with the blessing; the one who returned wanted connection with the Blesser. Third, gratitude deepens healing, opening us up to transformation beyond mere improvement.
God's Faithfulness at RBC
Sarah took time to name some of the remarkable ways God has blessed Redcar Baptist Church over the past year—blessings that often go unnoticed in the rush of ministry:
From 2 staff members in 2015 to 14 staff (voluntary and paid) representing four nationalities
Over 45 volunteers serving across church ministries
77 people fed at the "No One Eats Alone" dinner at Common Ground
344 individuals served through the Welcome Project since its start
645 one-to-one sessions from September to December alone
Money provided for a new boiler within two weeks of the need
Donation for a baptistry after a conversation in Texas
These aren't just statistics—they're testimonies of God's provision, faithfulness, and the beautiful community He's building in Redcar.
Living in the Tension
Sarah reminded us that not all of us are in the same place. Some of us are in the wilderness, living in tents, wondering when the provision will come. Others are in the promised land, overwhelmed by God's goodness. Sarah reminded us: there's space for both. God is not small. You have permission to show up exactly as you are, carrying whatever you're carrying.
Gratitude doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. It means choosing to see God's hand even in the hard places, trusting that the food is coming, that He hasn't forgotten us in the desert.
Reflection Question
Where in your life right now do you need to stop and acknowledge what God has done? What blessing have you received but not yet returned to thank Him for?
Connect With Us
If you'd like to find out more about Redcar Baptist Church, join us on Sunday or get in touch via our website. There's space for you here, exactly as you are.
