THANKING GOD ON PURPOSE
A cartoon pictured a little boy kneeling in prayer. Obviously disgruntled with the results of his prayers, he was saying, “Aunt Harriet hasn’t gotten married, Uncle Hubert hasn’t any work, and Daddy’s hair is still falling out… I’m getting tired of praying for this family without getting any results.” In another story, a little boy was asked to pray for dinner. Before he bowed his head to pray, he looked at the dish. Then, closing his eyes he prayed, “Lord, I don’t like the looks of it, but I’ll thank you and eat it anyway.”
Many do not see reasons to thank God when it appears there is nothing to thank Him for. Actually, God wants us to thank Him in all situation, whether good or bad. That is what it means to thank God on purpose. Even in a seemingly bad situation when you think your prayers have not been answered or your needs have not been met, there are still one million reasons to thank God. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thess 5:18.
It is in purposeful thanksgiving that God opens a new chapter in our lives and our trials give way for testimonies. A story was told about George Mueller who operated an orphanage that at one time had 1,000 orphans. One morning there was no food to eat, but he called all the children and staff together and prayed thanking God for the provision of food, even though no food was on the table. A few moments later a baker knocked on the door. He told Mr. Muller that God had led him to bake bread the night before and give it to the orphanage. Before the bread was given to the children, a milkman knocked on the door. He said that his milk truck had broken down and he wanted to give the milk to the orphanage. George Muller gave thanks, even when it took faith to do so.
Take up the challenge as we draw close to the end of this passing and begin to thank God on purpose. So much has been given to you in this year alone that you have no time to thank God for.
