I wanted to start with quoting an amazing thought from Pastor Richard:
"To give thanks in all circumstances is to practice seeing life through God’s faithfulness rather than through our fear. It’s not denial; it’s devotion. It’s choosing, again and again, to walk with Him by remembering that His gifts are present even when our circumstances are not what we hoped."
There are so many important points here. In our lives, we all sometimes forget to live in thanksgiving and gratitude to God. It's very easy, and natural, to only thank Him when things are going well - even more, sometimes we only thank Him when things turn out the way that we want them to. But we know that there are hardships that we all go through in life, some very serious. In times like these, it is even more essential for us to continually pray and give thanks to God and ask for his Grace, Mercy, and Healing!
I am going to touch on a controversial topic here. Some people say that they grow upset with hearing, "Our thoughts and Prayers are with you" after traumas happen, including when people are diagnosed with very severe illnesses, when a loved one has passed away, and even when there are tragic violent acts like mass shootings. But, just as Pastor Richard says in his Message at the beginning, saying these words and praying - as long as we follow through and live the Calling of God - is not denying that bad things happen. It is saying that we are devoted to sharing the Living Word of God in our lives.
Are there tragedies? Sicknesses? Wars? Violence? Hatred? Yes, they are here. That doesn't mean that they have the final answer. If we remember to follow the Message in 1 Thessalonians 5: 18, and give thanks to God, we can then begin to live as Christians, as good people who will always follow the Way!
God bless,
Joey
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