2025 Thanksgiving

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart…” Psalm 9:1 NASB

Five years ago, the world stopped as we were all forced to face the power of the global pandemic, COVID-19. Not only was the world forced to recognize this virus’s strength to shut down the earth, but I also was forced to make a decision that would be life or death. I chose life. I chose to live and to obey the commands of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

The book of Joshua records a narrative of the children of Israel gathering to hear the word of the Lord. They too had to make a decision about which God they would serve:

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14–15, NKJV)

The truth is that all believers will be faced with this same question. I’m glad I chose to live and serve the Lord. Don’t misunderstand me — choosing to live and serve the Lord does not mean you won’t have tests, trials, and temptations. What it does mean is that you have a relationship with Jesus, and as you commune with Him, you have access to forgiveness, grace, favor, and mercy. Anyone who walks will stumble, trip, and fall. It doesn’t matter how many times you do; what matters is how many times you get back up. For the Scripture says, “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” (Proverbs 24:16 NIV)

It’s been five years. I relocated back to Los Angeles, returned to preaching, finished my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration, and I am currently attending Shaw University Divinity School to earn my Master of Divinity. I just completed my first semester with a 4.0 GPA. Professionally, things are going well.

So yes, I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart. He has done great things in my life, and I will stand as a witness to His never-ceasing love, forgiveness, and grace. If you are facing a challenging season right now, I pray that my testimony gives you hope. If God would do this for me, He will do it for you and more if you would only ask.

~ Devotional by Rev. Feltus C. Frost