Habits of a Thankful HeartSample

Reflect on Your Spiritual Heroes

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men. (Philippians 2:27)

Near the top of my list of spiritual heroes is a woman named Prue Crane. By the world’s standards, Prue is an ordinary woman—an unmarried, middle-aged English teacher living in Bologna, Italy. But in God’s eyes, Prue is a spiritual giant whose sincere love for Jesus Christ and passion for serving others inspires and encourages everyone who knows her.

There are times when the Christian life can feel very lonely, especially for those of us who live and work in non-Christian places. Whenever I begin to feel discouraged or isolated, I think of Prue. Her example teaches me how to be a faithful witness and reminds me that I am not alone.

Paul knew the importance of Christian fellowship. These tender verses in Philippians reveal Paul’s gratitude to God for providing him with friends like Timothy and Epaphroditus. Paul’s ministry was not a one-man organization. He surrounded himself with people who worked with, encouraged, and supported him. Timothy, in particular, was a continual source of joy and thanksgiving for Paul. As he writes in 2 Timothy 1:3, “I thank God . . . as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”

When you feel discouraged, call to mind some of your spiritual heroes and mentors. They are living, breathing examples of God’s faithfulness.

Reflect: Thank God today for your spiritual heroes and for the ways God has used them to minister to you.