The Apostle Paul faced many trials during his Christian life, but no matter his situation, he was always thankful. Paul declared, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Cor. 2:14 NKJV).

Notice Paul said, “Now thanks . . . .” We are to thank God now, not later, or when the circumstances get better. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving.” In other words, when we go to God in prayer, we should always start by telling Him how much we appreciate Him for all He has done.

Notice Second Corinthians 2:14 also says it is through us that the fragrance of the knowledge of God is spread to every place. It’s our responsibility to share what Jesus did for us. Paul shared the Gospel everywhere he went—by what he preached and how he lived, and by  praising God at all times, no matter what he faced.

That’s how we are to live. We have Good News to announce! The world may not have peace, but we have the Prince of Peace living inside us. And if the world is going to see a difference in us, we must rest in the peace of God.

Many people in the world today are afraid—afraid of COVID, afraid of the economic situation, afraid of mass shootings. They sorrow because they have no hope. But we have hope in Jesus. When people see that hope in us, they will say, “These are terrible times! How can you have peace and hope?” And we can tell them about Jesus.

When the world around us looks bleak, we can raise our voices and say, “Now thanks be unto God who always gives us the victory!” As we live in continual thanksgiving, we’re spreading peace and hope like a sweet perfume, changing the world around us.

From our family to yours, have a blessed Thanksgiving—both in Canada (October 10) and the U.S.