Being Thankful in Uncertain Times

These are uncertain times for sure.  

I can only imagine what you are going through with your family, health, job, and community. I am currently sitting in an empty college courtyard that is usually bustling with students but is now full of happy squirrels. As uncertain as it is for you, these college students were hastily told they were not to come back to campus after spring break. No goodbye hugs, packing, or assemblies. On top of that, all the internships, co-ops, senior projects, presentations, job interviews, formals, graduations and senior events are being cancelled. 

I read a quote from a Cornell student in the NY Times who said, “I feel like a lot of experiences have been stolen from me.” This is true in so many ways for most college students. Our students at MCCC & GMU are no different and they have to be reminded and encouraged that this isn’t the first time uncertainty has happened and it won’t be the last.

When Paul is shipwrecked in the Adriatic Sea, he tells the men, “Take heart, not one of you will lose a single hair from his head" (Acts 27:34). Then he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all (Acts 27:35).

We don’t know how this Coronavirus will end but God does. The key is that we can give thanks in the midst of our storms.  We can thank God for our family, our friendships, our salvation, our church, our future... all of which are in his hands. It is not just a suggestion, but a command: Give thanks!

"In all things, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Please continue to pray for college students during this time and for wisdom for our leaders in guiding them. Zoom has been a good resource, but it is no substitute for meeting and praying with students in person. Please pray for college seniors and ask God to guide them during these uncertain times. Please pray for continued partnership and support for collegiate missionaries nationwide.

Let us know how we can best pray for and encourage you (bradyrennix@gmail.com). Thanks so much for your friendship and support!