I found out that I always erupt into uncontrollable chants of “Thank You Jesus” in the midst of my daily schedules. Sometimes, while eating, driving or even watching TV. My daughters would ask; “Daddy, what’s it?” I would tell them; “Nothing. I’m just grateful to God.” Afterwards, they would join me to say it. I have learnt that a man of vision must be a man of gratitude.
Friend, gratitude must be your attitude if you would fulfil God’s vision for your life. Gratitude is the environment that enhances the manifestation of God’s will in your life (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Grateful people would never be grounded in life; even if they are on the ground at a season, gratitude would lift them to enviable heights (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
“Sing, O barren, you that did not bear; break forth into singing…” (Isaiah 54:1). Your response to life must be a function of your vision, not your circumstances. When you know that faithful is He that calls you, your circumstances would not weigh you down. (1 Thessalonians 5:24). It is vision that makes you to see Eden ahead despite the wilderness around you (Joel 2:3).
You will break forth to the extent that you break forth into singing and rejoicing for what God has planned to do in your life (Isaiah 54:1-3). We don’t wait for things to happen before we are grateful; we are grateful first then things begin to happen. Sometimes, there would be a wide margin between where you are and where God has shown you; gratitude is the bridge.
Ingratitude paralyses vision and kills initiative. Nothing grows on the ground of ingratitude (Joel 1:12). Gratitude is the soil that grows dreams and visions. You cannot see possibility beyond your attitude of gratitude. Until Hagar wiped her tears, her eyes were never opened to the provision of the well of water that was already made available by God (Genesis 21:14-19).
Grateful people are progressive people. Be grateful for where you are on the road to where you are going (Psalms 103:1-2). When the money is not enough to pay the bills, give thanks (John 6:9-12). When doors seem closed against you, give thanks. When the vision looks like a lie, give thanks (Habakkuk 2:3). With thanksgiving, the vision lives; nothing dies around you. Amen!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria