Give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
~1 Thessalonians 5:18~
We have much to be thankful for at Illinois Family Institute. Often we receive phone calls and email messages from people who tell us how much they appreciate our articles, action alerts, videos, educational forums, newsletters, Springfield updates and voter guides.
We also receive calls and email messages from people who say they pray for us regularly. We can’t express how much these prayers mean to us. Prayer is our greatest weapon, and it moves the hand of our protector.
Then there are those who give sacrificially. We can’t tell you how much this humbles and encourages us.
God has certainly blessed this ministry in many ways through our faithful supporters.
A few years ago, we received a call from a woman who told us that she was struggling with some serious health issues. She told us that she doesn’t have much in the way of financial treasure, but what she does have is the result of frugal shopping at garage sales and secondhand stores. She does this so she can bless others with the resources that she does have. She deeply touched our hearts when she selflessly made a substantial donation to continue the work of IFI, telling us that Matthew 6:33 has guided her since childhood:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
God has never let her down. He has always provided even in tough times. And as He continues to provide for and bless her, she in turn blesses others. What a heart for the Lord!
Which brings me to our greatest treasure: Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave of Himself tirelessly; healed the afflicted; loved those deemed unlovable; and took upon Himself the punishment we so rightly deserve, paying our sin debt in full and offering us eternal life as a free gift. (Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 9:15)
When we comprehend the magnitude of the price Jesus paid for us, our hearts overflow with gratitude—not just at Thanksgiving—but every day that He provides us with another breath to serve Him and stand for His truth.
We have so much to be thankful for!
