John 11:41-42 KJV
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Jesus displayed a thankful attitude as He fulfilled His ministry here on earth. He demonstrated the way to the Father’s heart, the means to walk in the miraculous. Lazarus, a brother of Mary and Martha, was also a friend and disciple of Jesus. When he died, Jesus wept. Deeply moved, Jesus came to the tomb. At the tomb of Lazarus, He said, “Father, I thank You because You always hear me.” Jesus called Lazarus, and he emerged from the tomb alive and well. God answered Jesus’ prayer, and Lazarus came back to life. In order words, those who give thanks do not need to ask, nor do they beg; they only call(John 11:41-44). We need the kind of Spirit of thanksgiving that operated in Jesus. So that we employ that anointing that breaks the prison gates and brings the dead out of the grave.
We understand that thanksgiving to God is an act of appreciation or showing gratitude to God for something received from Him, for what He has done or what He will do. Giving thanks is the most distinctive mark of a true believer, for it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thanksgiving is one of the vital secrets of life and the cheapest way to live. Thanksgiving will earn us great things that others have considered us unqualified for or that others cannot access. A posture of purposeful and permanent thanks to God is central to Christian character. It gives glory to Him. It is a critical defense against satan’s temptations to distrust, complain, and feel depressed. Peter Bohler, a man of faith, said, “Oh, Brother Wesley, the Lord has done so much for my life. Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Christ Jesus with every one of them. “These words inspired Charles Wesley to write the hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Our tongues are not meant to enjoy Thanksgiving meals alone but praise our Maker while we have breath. When we stand in front of an impossible situation, we can hope, trust, and thank God. Despite what the onlookers believe, the doubters do, or the scorners say, we offer praise to the One Who has shown us great grace and glorious mercy in the difficult times of our lives.
Beloved, choose to have an attitude of thankfulness. You cannot be great until you are grateful. Working hard does not determine how successful you will be. No man prevails by strength. Only those grateful to God receive His Grace. So, always thank God for who He is, what He’s done, and what He is doing. When you give thanks for what He did for you yesterday, you will compel Him to act today. BE THANKFUL, COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS AND NAMING THEM ONE BY ONE IN THIS SEASON and ALWAYS! As you celebrate Thanksgiving Day and thank God, may the resurrection power of God that brought Lazarus out of death when Jesus stood at his tomb and gave thanks to God also resurrect everything that seems dead in your life. As you celebrate this day, the Lord God will comfort you and make your wilderness like the garden of Eden and your deserts like His garden full of joy and gladness. Today, may your thanksgiving be to the Lord, for He alone can multiply and glorify them. Jeremiah 30:19 says, “Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving. And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.” May you experience the tangibility of this Word in your life. Likewise, as Jesus gave thanks and saw an increase, may you also see an increase when you thank the Father. Peaceloving Gospel, thank God for all things and your lives. Enjoy your day. Happy Thanksgiving!
O Lord, thank You for Your unfailing and infinite love. Help me always be thankful for everything in Jesus’ Name.