Paul was an apostle of Jesus, who ultimately died as a martyr. In 2 Corinthians 11, we learn that in his life, Paul was beaten three times with rods. He was stoned once. He was shipwrecked, and spent a night and day drifting at sea. Paul had gone on frequent journeys, many where he was in danger from robbers, from the wilderness, and from false brothers… Wow! When I hear that, it’s hard for me to imagine going through all that Paul went through. He lived a tough life, which makes reading 1 Thessalonians, a part of the Bible that Paul wrote, even more profound.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Can you believe it? Paul, a man who endured such suffering, tells us to give thanks in everything. So often when we experience grief it can be easy to get angry or bitter. And the world is usually accepting of these attitudes. But God calls us to something higher. God calls us to have a mindset of thankfulness, regardless of what we are going through.As you practice thankfulness regardless of your situation, others are going to take notice. And when they do, you will have a great opportunity to tell them you are thankful because of the eternal dimension of what Jesus has done for you.

This is Luis Palau.