How do you respond in the hardships of life?
Hi, I’m Shawn from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with today’s Minute Message.
In the Fall of 1863, during the heart of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued two landmark statements. The most famous is the Gettysburg Address. The other, made just two weeks before, declared Thanksgiving an official holiday.
In his proclamation, Lincoln addressed the painful reality of war. But he coupled this hardship with hope, recognizing the gracious hand of God that would guide America through this “valley of the shadow of death.”
It’s interesting that, in the midst of the worst war our nation had ever seen, President Lincoln emphasized the importance of gratitude and set aside a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our Heavenly Father.
So, how do you respond in the hardships of life?
God invites us to give thanks in all circumstances. Not because we’re always thankful for them, but because of how gratitude takes the focus off our troubles and puts it on the goodness of God and the hope we can have in Jesus.
Feeling overwhelmed today? Practice gratitude, and watch your attitude be transformed.
