Articles > About Faith: > Thanking God for Others

Thanking God for Others

"I thank my God every time I remember you."¹

I have read that "Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

"One day after Plumb gave a presentation, a fellow came up to him and said, 'You don't know me, but I am the person who packed your parachute the day you were shot down.'

"Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, 'I guess it worked!'

"Plumb assured him, 'It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today.'"

If it weren't for somebody else—perhaps many "somebody elses"—most of us wouldn't be where we are today either. The time and resources that others have invested in us over the years, is often what kept us motivated and moving forward.

Let us be mindful and thankful to all who have "folded our parachute,” as it were, especially those who have share Jesus with us and, in doing so, invested in our spiritual journey. May we seek to do the same for others as well.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all who have helped me be where I am today and especially for those who shared your love and message of eternal salvation with me. Help me to have a thankful heart and help others to find Jesus and know God—as others have helped me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Philippians 1:3 (NIV).