In All Things, Give Thanks: What God Taught Me This Year

"Good morning, Abba!

Today is the perfect day to reflect on how good You have been to me. Not that I have just one day to do so. It is a reminder in case I forget to do so.

But how can I forget how good You have been to me? A little over 15 years ago Jesus came to my rescue when I didn’t feel worthy of just thinking about Him. When I was in the darkest pit of depression, guilt and shame. He left the 99 to come for me. He redeemed me and with just a hug He melted away all of it. I have not felt depressed ever again. I know that was Him. He is the only one that can do that. No shame or condemnation. No words. Just love, pure love. For that I thank You. For loving me more than I can ever imagine. For calling me daughter and giving me a seat at your table. For your protection and refining. Even if it hurts, I will keep saying “YES” to You. Because there is nothing more I desire than You. I love You, Abba!"

That was my journal entry for today.

Having a relationship with Jesus has been the greatest decision I have ever made.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, but when I look back at every hurdle, roadblock, and season of suffering, I can now see the purpose behind each one. Some moments were His protection. Some were the result of my own “sheep-like” choices 😅. But most of them were part of my refining.

Growing hurts. As a little girl, I remember having terrible growing pains in my legs. They ached so badly at night. Spiritual growth feels the same—stretching you beyond what you already are so you can become who He designed you to be. Growth also prunes… removing what is stunting you so you can flourish.

This is why I thank Him every single day. I can’t forget the moment He rescued me 15 years ago. I wasn’t looking to be saved—I was too ashamed, too depressed, too convinced I couldn’t come back. But His mercy and grace have no end. I deeply relate to the woman in Luke 7:47 who was forgiven much. In my eyes, He forgave me much, so I love Him much. My Savior, my Friend, my Redeemer… the Lover of my soul.

And the best part? When we say “yes” to Him, the adventure doesn’t end. It begins. I won’t sugarcoat it—pruning and refining hurts. But isn’t that what dying to ourselves truly means?

This year, He took me on a rollercoaster. A few years ago, I prayed one of those “dangerous prayers.” I told Him I no longer wanted to follow my own dreams or live on my own terms. I asked Him to make His will my will, His desires my desires.

Slowly, the things I once wanted began to lose their spark. The job I had dreamed of my whole life—the one with the best coworkers, the best leaders, and the work I loved—no longer filled me. It didn’t happen overnight. It happened as I prayed and went deeper with Him.

At the same time, my life felt like it was falling apart. My marriage was in a hard place. I felt like everything around me was slipping out of my control. And for someone like me—a type A “must have everything under control” kind of girl—that felt like death. But that’s exactly what it was: dying to myself so I could become who He created me to be.

He even placed the desire in my heart to become a Christian life coach. At first, I thought it was something just for me. Then He began sending women my way who needed encouragement. I felt overwhelmed because I still didn’t feel qualified or called.

Then I prayed another dangerous prayer: “Lord, I want to work for You.”

I wasn’t thinking about working at a church. I simply wanted to do His will—whatever that looked like.

But then, around this time last year, I found out that the company I had been with for 20 years had eliminated my position. I was the main provider for my family, so I panicked… for about three seconds. Then I heard His voice: “Isn’t this what you asked Me for?”

Suddenly, His peace flooded me. They had another position lined up for me with higher pay—but I already knew what decision I had to make. That same week, my spiritual mentor and women’s pastor told me there would soon be a job opening at the church in the women’s ministry. And in my heart, I heard Him again: “I’ve got you.”

And as a bonus—because He is so good—the job elimination came with almost a full year of severance.

I transitioned out of work in January 2025, fully expecting to jump quickly into the next assignment. Instead, what I thought would be a short sabbatical became another pruning season. A season to be still. A season to draw closer to Him. A season to learn that trust doesn’t come from having everything under control—it comes from knowing the One who is in control.

I even wrestled with the peace He gave me because I didn’t feel like I deserved it. But He taught me so much during this time. Our strength is so limited compared to His. When He says He’s got us, He truly does. He revealed emotional, spiritual, and even physical “junk” that I was trying to carry with me into the next chapter—and lovingly pruned it away.

Now, all I can say is: Thank You, Jesus, for these 11 months of adventure with You.

There were many tears, but none of them were wasted. Every tear watered something new in me. It was all worth it.

So let me ask you…

What are you thankful for this year?

Think about the good and the not-so-good. There is blessing and there is lesson in both—if we approach them with a humble heart.

Will you say “yes” to Him today? I will boldly tell you—it is so worth it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Abba loves you. Jesus loves you. And I love you too.

If you need prayer, please message me (look for the contact section). I would be honored to pray for you.

Love, Alejandra.