Episode 574: Faith in Every Season: Counting the Gifts - Audio

Co-hosts Kerri Brinkoeter, Cathy Endebrock, and Marlene McMichael discuss the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. In this program, the co-hosts explore the theme of cultivating a heart of thanksgiving by recognizing God’s provision and grace in every season of life, anchored in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In Season 1, gratitude is reframed as an inner posture rather than a reaction to circumstances, illustrated by “greasy pizza hug” moments where everyday chaos becomes divine delay. Season 2 highlights the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17, showing that gratitude is the difference-maker—nine received healing, but only the Samaritan who returned received relationship, reminding us that thanksgiving rewires the heart. Season 3 addresses silence, teaching that God’s quiet seasons are not absence but invitations to trust Him, rejoicing even before the harvest. Season 4 confronts storms of grief and despair, emphasizing that thanksgiving is not denial of pain but defiance against despair, anchoring us to God’s sovereignty. Together, these lessons remind us that gratitude is transformative—it shifts focus from circumstances to Christ, deepens relationship with Him, and strengthens resilience in both joy and trial.