Gratitude in Action—Choosing Love in a World Divided

Elijah’s Call: Choosing Bold Gratitude in Challenging Times

“How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him!” – 1 Kings 18:21

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to pause and reflect on what gratitude truly means. It’s easy to feel thankful when life is smooth, but as Esthers, we are called to more—a gratitude that leads to action. A gratitude that doesn’t just transform our hearts but also impacts the world around us.

There’s a story of a father and son pondering a riddle: “If three frogs are sitting on a limb and one decides to jump, how many are left?” The answer? Three. Because deciding to act is not the same as acting.

This is a powerful reminder. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. And, choices matter!

As Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and challenged the people of Israel, we too must make a choice: Will we waver, or will we follow God wholeheartedly? It’s a decision to stand for what’s right, to bless others, and to combat hate with love.

Gratitude in the Face of Hate

This past year, we’ve witnessed both incredible acts of blessing and heartbreaking examples of division. In Amsterdam, innocent Israeli soccer fans were violently attacked in what Israeli intelligence has now revealed as a Hamas-coordinated effort. Hamas, a terrorist organization driven by a mission to destroy Israel and wipe out the Jewish people, uses lies, manipulation, and violence to achieve their goals. They weaponize words to incite hatred and use innocent civilians as pawns and shields to further their destructive plans.

These acts of evil remind us of the immense power of influence—for good or for harm. At Christian Women for Israel, we believe in using our influence for Christ, for healing, truth, and love. This year, our End Jew Hatred video has been seen thousands of times, spreading the urgent message to stand against antisemitism. Esthers across the globe are wearing yellow ribbon lapel pins, shining a light on the hostages still held in Gaza and asking for prayer. Your donations are at work—providing food for the hungry, shelter for the vulnerable, and hope for those in need.

Using Influence for Good

Now, think about the choices we have. Will we stand firm like the modern-day Esthers you are? Or will we remain silent? Public figures like Susan Sarandon have used their platforms to sow division, but we’ve also seen leaders like Mike Huckabee and Marco Rubio stand boldly for Israel  and truth. Then too, there are everyday people who use their influence for good, like Jacob Seedman, who out of obedience to God created the Shalom Clothing Company to spread the message of peace throughout the world. Their examples remind us that influence is a gift, one we must steward wisely.

What about you? How are you using the influence God has given you? Remember, every word you speak and every action you take ripples outward. Will you choose to use your influence to stand with Israel and proclaim truth? Or will you be like the frogs who decide to jump but never leap?

Choosing Gratitude in Action

Gratitude must become more than whispered thanks at a holiday table. It must transform into action that reflects God’s love:

• When we stand with Israel, we live out God’s promise: “I will bless those who bless you” (Genesis 12:3).
• When we love others despite division and hate, we obey Christ’s command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
• When we use our influence to counter lies, we proclaim the truth of God’s enduring faithfulness to His people.

Israel has demonstrated what gratitude in action looks like. Recently, they connected Gaza’s desalination plant to their power grid, providing clean drinking water amid a war. Even in the face of terror, Israel chose to act with compassion, reflecting God’s heart for life and hope.

A Time to Choose

Elijah’s question echoes through the ages: How much longer will you waver? We face the same challenge today. Will we leap into action, or will we waver on the sidelines?

You, Esthers, have shown time and again what it means to choose. Through your prayers, your giving, and your advocacy for Israel, you are making an eternal impact. But the work is not finished.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, in this season of Thanksgiving, we offer our gratitude not just in words but in action. Strengthen us to make choices that honor You, bless Israel, and stand boldly against hate. May we use our influence to glorify You and bring hope to the world. Amen.

This Thanksgiving, let’s commit to gratitude that leads to action. Let’s choose love, choose truth, and follow God with all our hearts. For such a time as this, let’s leap into the calling God has placed on our lives.