Blessing and Thanksgiving in the Midst of Challenges in Life
November is often a time of thanksgiving and reflection of what God has done and being doing for us, and it’s a great opportunity to focus on Christian spiritual blessings.
The Blessing of God’s Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6-7
This passage reminds us of the incredible blessing of God’s peace, which is beyond human understanding. It invites us to bring everything – our joys, worries, and needs – to God in prayer, but not just with requests. Thanksgiving is a vital component. This passage is a profound encouragement from the Apostle Paul, offering a roadmap for overcoming anxiety and experiencing God’s peace. Let us try to understand what Apostle Paul means when he wrote this text to the people of Philippians and for us today:-
1. “Do not be anxious about anything”
Paul begins with a command not to worry. Anxiety is a natural response to uncertainty, but Paul directs believers to trust God instead of being consumed by fear. This does not mean ignoring challenges but recognizing that God is sovereign and able to handle every situation.
2. “But in everything by prayer and supplication”
Instead of worrying, Paul urges believers to take everything—big or small—to God in prayer. Prayer refers to general communication with God, while supplication emphasizes earnest, specific requests. It shows that God cares about the details of our lives and invites us to share them with Him.
3. “With thanksgiving”
Thanksgiving is the attitude that transforms our prayers. When we thank God for God’s faithfulness in our life experience and the countless blessings that we received, it builds trust in God’s ability to provide for the future. Gratitude shifts our focus from problems to God’s goodness and power.
4. “Let your requests be made known to God”
This phrase reminds us that God wants us to come to Him openly and honestly. It’s an act of faith to lay our concerns before Him, trusting that God hears and will act according to His perfect will.
5. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”
The result of this prayerful, thankful approach is God’s peace. This is not merely the absence of trouble but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and security in God. It’s a peace that goes beyond human comprehension, as it is rooted in God’s unchanging nature rather than changing circumstances.
6. “Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
God’s peace acts like a protective shield, guarding our emotions (“hearts”) and thoughts (“minds”) against fear and doubt. This guarding happens in Christ Jesus, highlighting the relationship believers have with Him as the source of this peace.
When we submit our problems to God with thanksgiving, it shifts our focus from our problems to God’s faithfulness. When we acknowledge what God has done for us, our hearts are filled with gratitude and confidence in God’s ability to handle what lies ahead. God’s peace is a gift that guards both our hearts and minds. While the world may be turbulent at this moment – be it sickness in the family, war as it is prolonged in the Middle East or communal violence as it is escalating again in the State of Manipur, in all these circumstances, even as we are the victims of these turbulence whether physically or mentally, the divine peace assures us that we are secure in Christ. It’s a reminder that God’s blessings are not just material but deeply spiritual, transforming our inner world even in the midst of challenges and pain.
In this season, let us thank God not only for God’s provision but also for God’s steadfast presence, guiding peace, and the privilege given to us of casting our worries and cares on God who walks through the pain and challenges with us. Knowing that our God is in our midst and gives us the assurance that our troubles will come to an end.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
BOMBAY AUXILIARY
Bombay Auxiliary Bible Exhibition cum sale in Kolhapur City in Maharashtra
A three days Bible exhibition was opened on November 8, 2024 and the inaugural programme was held at the Wilder Memorial Church Hall by Auxiliary Secretary of BSI Bombay Auxiliary. On this occasion, BSI staff members, BSI Bombay Auxiliary committee members Rev. D. B. Samudre and Mrs. Mrudula Ghodke, Kolhapur Church Councils’ executive committee members and pastors and leaders of various denominations in Kolhapur were present. The Auxiliary Secretary and staff members of BSI Bombay Auxiliary were felicitated. The exhibition was held from 8th to 11th of November, 2024 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
BSI Kolhapur Branch Youth Committee was Formed:
On the 9th, Auxiliary Secretary Rev. Clement Christian conducted a special meeting for local youth at Wilder Memorial Church at 11:00 am. Nearly 30 young people were present. The youth were enlighted with the Ministry of the BSI and the Secretary also share the Word for the youth. Significantly, the Kolhapur Bible Society of India Youth Committee was formed on this day.
BSI Kolhapur Branch Mary Jones Women Fellowship was Formed:
On the same day, a women’s meeting was called. Nearly 50 women were present. Mrs. Mrudula Ghodke, a member of BSI Auxiliary committee conducted the meeting, shared about the ministry of the Bible Society of India and preached the word of God. We thank God for the Mary Jones Women Fellowship of Kolhapur was formed in this meeting
BSI Kolhapur Branch was Reformed:
After COVID 19 the BSI Kolhapur branch stopped functioning. On the 9th evening at 5:30 pm, a volunteers meeting was convened and praise be to God the BSI Kolhapur Branch was reformed again.
Bible Sunday Celebrated:
On 10th of November 2024 Bible Sunday was celebrated in different churches. Rev. Clement M. Christian, Auxiliary Secretary preached in three services such as Wilder Memorial Church (English Service), Wilder Memorial Church (Marathi Service) and in Wilder Memorial City Church. Mrs. Mrudula Ghodke BSI Bombay Auxiliary committee member also preached in four services such as in CNI Holy Evangelical Church, Brahmapuri, CNI All Saints Church (English Service), CNI Christ Christ, and in Kodoli CNI Church. Mr. Vipul Bhingardive, marketing assistant of BSI Bombay auxiliary preached in Kolhapur Church council, Vikramnagar church and he shared about the ministry of The Bible Society of India in Wilder Memorial city church, Kolhapur. Mr. Shantwan Raiborde shared about the ministry of The Bible Society of India in New Life Fellowship Church, Kolhapur.
We thank Rev. D. B. Samudre and Pastorate committee of Wilder Memorial Church, Kolhapur for their hospitality for providing us the Church Hall free of cost for the exhibition and sharing their food for three days. We also thank the executive committee members of Kolhapur Church Council. We thank God for keeping us safe, sound and healthy during these three days. May God bless all the Churches who opened their Church Doors for Bible Sunday.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to all the Church community for their enthusiastic participation in Bible exhibition and Bible Sunday services.