An Attitude of Thanksgiving”
A Thanksgiving Sermon for Able by Grace Ministries
By Tylia L. Flores
Opening Scripture
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Church family, as we enter this Thanksgiving season, my heart is overflowing — not just because of the aroma of turkey and sweet potatoes, but because of the aroma of gratitude. There’s something sacred about this time of year. It’s a season when we slow down long enough to remember:
God has brought us through another year.
Another year of challenges, another year of blessings, another year of grace upon grace.
1. Thanksgiving Is Not a Day — It’s a Posture
The world may see Thanksgiving as a holiday, a date on the calendar, but for us — for followers of Christ, especially those of us living with disabilities — Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. It’s the rhythm of our faith.
We don’t give thanks because life is easy. We give thanks because God is faithful.
For many of us with cerebral palsy or other conditions, the world often tells us what we can’t do.
But God — oh, I love those two words, “But God” — God reminds us of what we can do through His strength.
I thank God that I can wake up every morning and move forward, even when my muscles don’t always cooperate. I thank God that even on hard days, His Spirit lifts me higher than my limitations ever could.
And that’s what Paul meant when he said,
“I have learned to be content in all circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)
Thanksgiving is not found in the absence of struggle; it’s found in the presence of the Savior.
2. Thanksgiving in the Bible: Gratitude That Gives
When we open the Word, we find that gratitude isn’t passive — it moves people to give, to serve, to worship.
Think of the poor widow in Luke 21:1-4. She only had two coins, but she gave all she had.
Jesus looked at her and said, “She gave more than all the others.”
Why? Because she gave out of her heart of gratitude.
Or consider the women who followed Jesus — Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna — who supported His ministry out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3). They had been healed, and out of gratitude, they gave.
And of course, let’s not forget when Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread and feeding the five thousand (John 6:11).
Even before the miracle, Jesus gave thanks.
Church, hear me: Thanksgiving precedes the miracle.
If you can thank God before the healing, before the breakthrough, before the open door — you are walking in the power of faith.
3. Living With Cerebral Palsy and Living With Thanksgiving
As someone living with cerebral palsy, Thanksgiving hits me a little differently.
It’s not just about what’s on my plate, but about what’s in my spirit.
I think about the hospital stays, the physical therapy sessions, the moments of frustration — and then I think about how every one of those moments became a testimony.
See, the world might look at us and see disability, but God looks at us and sees divine ability.
He sees perseverance, courage, faith, and purpose.
Every wheelchair, every walker, every brace becomes a symbol of victory — because we keep moving. We keep showing up. We keep trusting.
So this year, I thank God for:
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The people who love me and walk beside me.
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The strength to keep writing, speaking, and serving.
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The ability to turn pain into purpose, and struggle into story.
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The grace to say, “I’m still here — and that’s something to thank God for.”
If you’ve overcome even one obstacle this year, you’ve got something to praise God for.
Because every breath is proof that God isn’t done working in your story.
4. The Power of Giving Thanks in Community
Thanksgiving also reminds us that gratitude grows stronger when shared.
When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice.
When one of us struggles, we all pray.
And today, we as a ministry come together in that spirit of unity to lift up brothers and sisters in need of prayer and healing.
5. Prayer List for November
Let us come before the Lord together:
🙏 Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and healing power. Today we bring before You our loved ones:
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James Svitek, a 33-year-old man with cerebral palsy from Indiana, recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and now undergoing chemotherapy. Lord, place Your healing hand upon James. Surround him with Your peace and power. Strengthen his parents, Pam and James Sr., his siblings Grace and Waylon, his sister-in-law Holly, and his beloved girlfriend of 13 years, Karlie Grice. Be the calm in their storm, and remind them that You are Jehovah Rapha — the God who heals.
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We also lift up Paul Anderson Sr. of Port Charlotte, Florida, who is battling kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Lord, touch his body, restore his strength, and comfort his family — his son Paul Jr., his daughters Samantha and Nicole, his wife Deborah, and Paul Jr.’s wife Bianca. May Your presence fill their home with peace that passes all understanding.
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We pray for every member of our Able by Grace Ministries family facing physical pain, loneliness, or discouragement. Let this Thanksgiving remind them that they are seen, loved, and cherished by You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
6. Closing Reflection: The True Meaning of Thanks
Beloved, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday we observe — it’s a testimony we live.
When you look back at your year, maybe you see pain. But look closer — you’ll also see purpose.
You’ll see prayers answered, strength renewed, and grace multiplied.
And that’s what we’re celebrating today — not perfection, but providence.
So this Thanksgiving, I challenge you:
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Thank God for the people who stayed.
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Thank God for the lessons learned through the pain.
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Thank God for the ability to breathe, to love, to forgive, and to hope again.
Because every moment we’re still here is a moment to testify:
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for being the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Thank You for carrying us through another year, for the grace that sustains us, and for the love that never fails.
Teach us to live with open hands and grateful hearts.
May our gratitude turn into generosity, our faith into action, and our testimonies into light for others.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Final Blessing
This Thanksgiving, remember — you are Able by Grace.
Not by strength alone, not by circumstance, not by ability — but by grace.
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