Be Thankful for 2020?!

 I don’t know about you, but I have had a hard time getting into a true Thanksgiving mindset.  2020 has been such a tough year, for individuals, families, businesses, communities, and our nation, not to mention the rest of the world.  The challenges most of us have had to face as a result of Covid-19 have been daunting:  lock-downs, quarantines, stay at home, work from home, kids trying to learn from home, loss of loved ones, loss of job, income, or business, not to mention politics!  It has been a tough, crazy, hard year.

And yet the Lord tells us in Phil 4:6  ^“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  I have been anxious…about so many situations…and issues…and…so much Lord!  The deep prayers for so much and so many, the petitions, and requests have been made.  But with thanksgiving?  Not so much.  God, don’t you see what is going on in our lives, our families, our nation, our ministry, in the US, and in Haiti?  Thankful?  That is not so easy these days.
 
And yet the Lord has gently reminded me recently of what being thankful is all about. The Lord brought back to mind the response of so many Haitian brothers and sisters in the midst of great tragedies and problems, whether devastating hurricanes, earthquakes, crops lost due to flooding, deep poverty, hunger, or personal loss, of their thankfulness to the Lord of His care for them in the midst of it all. They still had life, health, and especially a great hope of eternity in Heaven no matter how tough this current life is.  God will provide in His time and His way.  God is in control. 
 
You see, they understand that if they lay their burdens at the foot of the Throne of God, with realization and a thankful heart for all that God has done and will do, in the midst of difficult and often crushing situations, that verse 7 comes into play:  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Phil 4:7
 
So yes, this week I am working on reminding myself of ALL that I am thankful for in life, especially in Christ Jesus.  And my challenge to you is to do the same.  Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus, and remind yourself, of ALL that you are thankful for, no matter what is going on, IN CHRIST JESUS!
 
One area of thankfulness for me has been how you, the Body of Christ, have reached out, often in the midst of your own challenges, to respond to the needs presented before you of our Haitian brethren and RMI these days.  Many boxes of food, goats, and bags of seeds have been sponsored to help our hurting Haitian brothers and sisters.  On their behalf, THANK YOU!  You are part of that trust in the provision of the Lord they have, as you are an answer to their prayers and needs.  (If you want to help, go to RMIbridge.org and click on “Christmas Bundles” for more info.)  I also want to thank so many of you who have sent a financial gift to RMI to help us navigate these difficult times. We are counting on your support to help get us through this tough and lean year. 
 
May you have a great THANKS-GIVING with family and friends, as limited as it might be this year!  I know my family and I will.  May the Peace of God guard our hearts and minds this Holiday season. 

Daniel Shoemaker
President