I’d like to thank two volunteers in particular-Von and Marcia. I am so thankful for the faithfulness of all the volunteers. “I am always so encouraged by the letters I receive from the mentors at Crossroads. Here are a few notes we have received recently: Men and women, who are surrounded by darkness, disappointment, pain and suffering, have found strength in Christ to be content and even thankful.Įvery month, we receive dozens and dozens of letters from students expressing deep gratitude. Many Crossroads students understand this. The fact that it’s God’s will for us to be thankful means that He will empower us to do it. Many people interpret this passage this way: God really wants you to give thanks, so you better get your act together and be thankful all the time.īut the truth is that we cannot be thankful in every circumstance by our own willpower. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul exhorts another church facing persecution to “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Paul has learned the secret that even gratitude is a gift. We can try and try on our own strength to be grateful in all circumstances, but ultimately our efforts will fall short. Paul tells us that it is only through the strength of Christ that he can be content in any situation. Is it possible to rejoice and give thanks in the face of suffering? Paul would say a resounding “yes.” But not on our own. I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. In fact, he wrote these words from prison, and he wanted to share with his church family a secret for navigating life’s hardships. Well, Paul himself knew a thing or two about suffering. How could he say such a thing to people who are suffering? He wrote these words to the church in Philippi that was facing persecution. The Apostle Paul didn’t write these words to people who had a lot of reasons to celebrate.
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