Someone has said, “Gratitude thanks God after He’s done something. Faith thanks Him before He does it.”
When I first read this, it immediately reminded me of the manner in which our oldest son (who has now been a preacher for many years) first began to pray as a child. He would say, “I thank you God that you will. . . .” Are those not words of expectation? Is that not an expression of faith? Rather than always asking for something to be done, how often have we thanked God for how He will work things out because we trust in His awareness of all going on in our life and in the lives of others and how best to provide?
Faith is something we need to keep us moving through life. Faith is something we need in order to live pleasing to God. (Hebrews 11:6) Faith aids in keeping our focus on God with the expectation of His ability to work all things together for good on our behalf (Romans 8:28) in His time and in His way! Regardless of what might be going on in our life or the world around us, it is faith which provides the basis for the ability to . . .
“(16) Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
Let us not neglect to thank God and praise Him for all He has done in our life. However, let us also thank Him for all He will continue doing to ultimately bring us into the eternity our Lord went to prepare for us. It was with this kind of “eager expectation and hope” (Philippians 1:20) that compelled Paul to press on in bold faith. May we also live in grateful faith!
Have a great day THANKFUL THAT GOD WILL!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)
