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Choosing to Give Thanks… Even in Hard Times

by | Wed, Dec 8 2021

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PSALM 136 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” (NIV)

Dear friends,

What do you see as you look back over 2021? The first response of many would be turmoil or disruption, but when I take a moment to refocus my eyes past those things, I can see God’s hand, direction and provision, which gives me great confidence as we move into 2022.

The other day I re-read the story of Paul and Silas in jail (Acts 16). These two men were in a desperate situation, locked in maximum security – stripped, beaten, and chained in stocks.

I have read this story many times before, but the past two years’ events prompted me to consider more deeply the significance of how they were in the darkest of places, yet they chose to give God glory. Their singing of praise would have been in strong contrast to the usual sounds of a dank dungeon, full of groaning and cursing, and it caught the attention of others. Ultimately it caught God’s attention, too, with a miraculous earthquake busting open the doors. Rather than escape, Paul and Silas turned their attention to the plight of their jailer, bringing him and his family to salvation.

The interesting thing here is that we get no indication that God had given them any forewarning that they would be released or not die, and yet they still chose to give thanks to God because they had an eternal perspective, just like David did as he wrote Psalm 37;

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:1-4 NIV)

So, as we reflect on 2021, let us celebrate the incredible goodness of God!

We are also so very thankful for those who have given both recently and in the past, and, if you are in a position to partner with us we would welcome your financial support as part of the family of believers helping people look to God daily in 2022 through Vision – thank you.

Let’s keep our eyes on The Lord and our hearts tuned in to prayer for revival in the heart of every Australian.

Finally, from our family to yours, may you have a blessed Christmas full of the joy of The Lord!

In Christ,

Phil Edwards
Chief Executive Officer

PS The summer edition of Vision for Every Australian has a special focus on testimonies of God at work this year. I hope you are encouraged as you read them!

Visionathon Update
What an amazing week—almost 3,000 people responded to give over $1 million in pledges and donations toward the work of Vision.

Visionathon Goals

Praise God for his provision through faithful people across Australia! If you have not yet given, please consider how you can be part of empowering Vision’s work into 2022 and beyond—perhaps you could become one of the new monthly partners we’re looking for? It’s very easy to setup and you choose the amount.