Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
11 24 2025
The Thanksgiving we Don’t Always See
I heard a question today that stopped me in my tracks:
“Do you think the Christians sent into the Colosseum to be eaten alive
ever wondered if God was punishing them?”
It’s a haunting thought.
But the answer is clear—no.
It could not have been punishment.
God does not devour His own children. He is not the author of cruelty. Scripture says:
- “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
- “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)
- “The Lord is compassionate and gracious… abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8)
Suffering is real, but punishment is not the story for the redeemed.
When I think about suffering, I think of my wife—still recovering from three surgeries this past year and potentially still one more to go. I think of sweet Glenna Mayer, who cannot walk today and is believing for her miracle. I think of those among us fighting cancer—
battles that stretch on far longer than their strength.
Not one of them has taken up the words of Job’s wife:
“Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)
No… they have chosen a different path.
They are like the martyrs who walked toward the Colosseum with hymns on their lips.
They are like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who said:
“Our God is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not bow.” (Daniel 3:17–18)
That is what faith looks like—
not the absence of suffering,
but the refusal to let suffering rewrite the truth of who God is.
As The Holiday Approaches… Many of us are preparing to count our blessings—our homes, our families, our tables filled with good things.
But some—right now—are fighting just to stand.
Some are praying for sleep because pain keeps them awake.
Some are waiting on test results.
Some are grieving an empty seat at the table.
And yet…
they’re still believing.
Still holding on.
Still trusting that God is not merely with them someday—
but with them now.
Scripture says:
- “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18)
- “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
- “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Their bodies may be failing,
but their souls are fierce with faith.
Their circumstances are dark,
but their hope refuses to die.
They are preaching a sermon with their endurance—
a sermon of trust, of courage, of “even if He does not… He is still my God.”
A CALL TO REMEMBER THE SUFFERING IN OUR BODY
So as we gather this Thanksgiving, as we bow our heads to thank God for the blessings we see…
Let us remember those whose blessings are still buried deep in the soil—
being grown, not yet revealed.
Let us remember the hurting.
Let us hold up the weary.
Let us intercede for those who cannot lift their own hands right now.
Scripture tells us:
“If one member suffers, all suffer with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
We are one body.
One family.
One people under a faithful God.
No matter what your season looks like, remember this: There is a hope that carries us.
God is not punishing you.
God has not abandoned you.
God is not finished with you.
He is the God who walks into the fire with His children.
The God who stands in the darkness as the lifter of our heads.
The God who strengthens weak hands, heals broken hearts, and holds us fast in every valley.
This Thanksgiving, let us thank Him—
not only for what He gives,
but for who He is.
Faithful.
Merciful.
Present.
Always good.
Even if…
Even now.
“Lord, we thank You for Your nearness in every season—both the bright and the dark.
Strengthen those who are suffering.
Heal the bodies that are weak and the hearts that are weary.
Give endurance to the ones fighting long battles.
Let Your peace surround them and Your hope sustain them.
Teach us to remember, to intercede, and to love well as one body.
And above all, help us to trust You—not just for what You do,
but for who You are.
In Jesus’ name… Amen.”
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Still Rolling Stones Lauren Daigle.
