While 2020 has not turned out as what we hoped for, we can still give thanks in all things. The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16- 18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ.”
Liz Encinia
Though it might be hard to believe that a pandemic is exactly what God wanted for us this year, the Word tells us that no matter the circumstances of our life, the Lord’s steadfastness and goodness surpasses all things (Ps. 136).
The pandemic was no surprise to the Lord, and I can actively rest in the goodness of our God. This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table, I pray that you will share about the rewarding things the Lord brought out of this time of resting at home. Maybe you suffered loss, grief, anxiety or a heartache of some kind, but all the while you were able to see God’s hand gently guiding you.
Take a moment to give thanks and share of His goodness — even during those difficult days. Include the children. Help them verbalize the moments they were thankful to the Lord. Consider giving thanks for:
• His steadfastness.
• His goodness.
• His faithfulness.
• His will in our lives.
• His ability to overcome anything that comes your way.
At WMU, we are thankful. Although our year was filled with event cancellations, we were able to take on new and exciting opportunities to encourage others to engage in God’s mission via several online platforms.
Each morning, we started our day with a devotional and WMU prayer calendar on our Facebook page. The prayer calendar is led by people from all over the commonwealth — some heavily involved with WMU, and others who have a passion for ministry and missions. Little did we know, this prayer time would help women get together in a whole new way. We have had several women send messages that they have started virtual WMU groups because of sharing the prayer videos.
Bonnie Barnes from Liberty Baptist Church in Russell Springs said, “I am so blessed by these virtual prayer calendar/devotionals that I have been sending them out everyday,” and, “Many of our ladies are not familiar with Missions Mosaic or the prayer calendar. We are beginning bit by bit. Hopefully, we can do some Christmas backpacks.”
Pat Reaves from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Louisville said, “I share the prayer calendar video every morning on Facebook, and even friends and family in other states join in.”
While 2020 was a bump in the road, Kentucky WMU is still moving forward, and we are thankful for the Lord’s provision.
As you read this, know that WMU is praying for you. We pray that you will actively rest in knowing that God’s love for you is steadfast. No matter what you face, you can give thanks to the Father who is greater than anything you will ever face.
Liz Encinia is executive director-treasurer of Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union.
Liz Encinia