God never promised an easy life or days without troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations.  He never promised that life will be perfect.  He does not call His children to a playground, but to a battleground.

Be like the apostle Paul and say, “None of these things move me.”  Few men suffered as Paul did, yet he learned to live above his circumstances, even in a prison cell. You can do the same.  Refuse to allow circumstances to get you down.  The Bible says in Colossians 3:15; “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.

Believe it or not, being thankful is the path to peace.  Paul said, in Philippians 3:6-7; “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  

Taking the attitude of thankfulness in all of life’s circumstances will help you react as old Matthew Henry did when he was mugged.  He wrote in his diary, “Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”  

Can you have that kind of thankful attitude that brings such peace?  

Pastor Hatter