He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God (Psalms 50:23 NIV)

God encouraged someone in my ladies fellowship with this verse as she was facing some challenges.  She is honoring God with thanksgiving and He is seeing her through those situations.

*Have you heard of Bushwhacking?

Bushwhacking specifically refers to difficult walking through dense forest, undergrowth, or bushes, where forward progress requires pushing vegetation aside.  In extreme cases of bushwhacking where the vegetation is so dense that human passage is impeded, a machete is used to clear a pathway (Wikipedia).

A walking or hiking trail with lots of foot traffic is usually clear and wide.  More challenging trails have narrower paths because fewer people go on them.  But to make a new trail in a dense forest you will have to do some difficult walking or bushwhacking.  You will have to do some parting of tall bushes, some stomping and breaking of shrubs, and even some whacking with the machete to remove things that are in the way.

*Are you ready for difficult walking or Bushwhacking?

When we have to go through a “forest of” challenge, unanswered prayer, sickness where there is no hope, or the narrow hope you had suddenly comes to an end, it becomes a “difficult walking”.  When we are surrounded by fear, fatigue, uncertainty, confusion, discouragement, or sickness, can we push though these challenges that seem overgrown and out of control?  When we are able to thank God in the midst of a trial, it is a sacrificial thanksgiving.  It honors God and prepares the way.   It is up to us to create the trail by giving the sacrifice of praise.  Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of our lips that confess his name (Hebrew 13:15).

I pray that we will able to whack the bushes of anxiety, fear, doubt, or impatience out of the way and hike up to God’s presence with a backpack full of thanksgiving.   Let us honor God with our sacrifice of thanksgiving and continue this difficult walking over and over until the way becomes clearer.  

Lord, forgive me for my doubts, anxious thoughts, and impatience regarding the  prayers for my children.  With thanksgiving and your promises (Isa:59:21, Isa:44:4-5, Isa:34:16,17) I am stepping in to make new trails for you to send the answers.  For all who are going through a difficult season, give them strength to thank and praise you.  Thank you Lord for showing all of us the way as we honor you through our thanksgiving.