When it's Hard to be Thankful

Phil. 4:10-13
    
    There’s a false premise being perpetuated in Christianity today. It’s partly the fault of the false doctrine known as the “prosperity gospel” and our society becoming fixated on instant gratification. It’s the concept that if you’re a Christian, then bad things won’t happen to you. Being a Christian does not mean that God does not stop bad things from happening, for that would make Him a respecter of individuals (Acts 10:34), but it does mean that we have tools that the world does not. We have a Heavenly Father we can approach in prayer, we can fast and prove that mind is stronger than matter, and we have the hope that surpasses all understanding. Please read Matt. 7:24-27. When summing up the sermon on the mount, we see that first and foremost, “everyone who hears these words of Mine [Jesus] and acts on them.” We must act on God’s Word. When we act on God’s Word, we are like the wise man who’s house was built on the rock. Notice also, that the rain came on both the wise man and the foolish man. Being a Christian doesn’t mean the rains won’t come. Rather, it means that when the rain comes, we have a strong solid foundation. Often people quote Phil 4:13, but miss the context. Paul was in prison when he penned those words. He had the peace that surpassed all understanding. He was content and admonished the church to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you request be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). Be content with what you have. Be thankful for what God has given you. Even in the most dire circumstances, we must be thankful to be Kingdom people and citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley