When we started our Church work in the city of Akure, I went visiting a father in the land with my wife. After sharing few thoughts on ministry climate and secrets in the land, he emphasized what he considered important to growing one’s life and work; gratitude.
Friend, gratitude is the field that every genuine life and calling grow. Nothing grows on the ground of ingratitude (Joel 1:12). I have noticed that nothing positions you better in the will of God than a life of gratitude. Grumblers and complainers always find themselves outside God’s will. Gratitude is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
You need to be grateful for the privilege of handling divine purpose or call (1 Timothy 1:12). A sense of gratitude would make you realize that you are not the smartest, wisest, strongest or richest. You are only a privileged recipient or beneficiary of grace. You must not be too used to what God does in, through and for you that you forget to be grateful (Psalms 103:2).
Gratitude commands increase. Big things die in the hands of ingrates while little things multiply in the hands of grateful people (John 6:11-13). If you don’t thank God for the two or five clients you have in that business you may never taste the blessings of having hundreds of clients. If you are not grateful pastoring those few sheep you may never have the privilege pastoring multitudes (1 Samuel 17:28, Proverbs 27:23).
Your attitude towards what is small is a reflection of your heart (Matthew 25:24-30, Luke 16:10-12).Anybody can thank God when big things are happening. Anybody can thank God when the breakthrough finally comes. But who is that person who would thank God in the days of smallness? Who is that person who would face what seems not to be working and still give God thanks for it? If you don’t want to stay long in smallness, learn to be grateful (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Grateful people always see the best of every situation. They see reasons to thank God every time and everywhere. They view life with the lens of possibility (Psalms 27:13). Rather than blaming God or people for what is not happening yet, they celebrate the journey and anticipate God’s best. Thank God for the laws of success, without a lifestyle of thanksgiving, none would deliver as they should.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
*Destiny Impact Church*
Akure, Nigeria