God may have granted you many successes in 2018. Give thanks and glorify God. Perhaps, the year 2018 may have been a rough ride for you. Paul exhorts us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. Therefore, give thanks even when going through the rough times in year 2018.
Man is limited by time and space. We cannot predict what would happen in the future or even tomorrow. Unlike us, God is not bound by time and space. God is sovereign, and He reigns and rules over the affairs of man. Whatever may happen to me, though it may seem tough and rough, I must learn to trust God. He knows what He is doing, and He will always give His best to His people.
Take the life of Joseph as an example. At the age of 17, he was sold as a slave by his brothers and separated from his family. He then landed in prison for at least 2 years. This happened because he refused to sin against God and his master, when he refused the sexual advances from his master’s wife. In God’s perfect timing and in His sovereign will, he rose to become the right-hand man of king Pharoah at the age of 30. However, in all humility, Joseph concluded in Genesis 50:19-21: “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”
You must learn to give thanks in all circumstance and learn to trust your God and Heavenly Father. You may be going through a rough patch in your life. Take heart, for the trials in life are for a season, a passing cloud. Soon the passing cloud will clear and there will be sunshine and clear skies. Follow the life example of Joseph – do not let the trials in life affect your faith. Trust God and persevere through the trials in life. I am confident that God will see you through and provide a blessing at the end of your trial.
I am sure there are many people in your life who have been an encouragement or a great help to you in 2018. May I encourage you, to take some time, write a thank you card and be thankful for the help God gave and be grateful especially to people who have shown you kindness and helped you through this year 2018.
As we come to the close of another year, may I encourage you to count your blessings, even during your setbacks or trials in life. Take heart that whatever happens to you, God has a divine purpose. At the end of it all, there will always be a rainbow and a happy ending.
May I encourage you to give thanks in all circumstances. Have a thanksgiving item to share at this year’s Watch Night service. You may testify of God’s goodness, His greatness, faithfulness and love.
There is no better way to end this year than to give thanks and testify of God’s goodness and faithfulness in this year’s Watch Night service. Come prepared with a 3-minute of thanksgiving to share during this year’s Watchnight Service. Together, we may testify of God’s goodness, greatness and faithfulness. As the psalmist said well in Psalm 100:5: “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”