Being Thankful for What We Have - Pastor Johnny Marten
As we gather in this season of November, our hearts are drawn to the theme of stewardship—how we use our gifts, our resources, and, most importantly, our attitude of thankfulness. Reflecting on the past weeks, we’ve considered how God calls us to serve with our talents and to use our financial blessings for His kingdom. Today, the focus is on cultivating a spirit of gratitude for all that God has given us—our abilities, our resources, and the opportunities that come our way.
Our attitude shapes our lives in profound ways. A joyful, grateful heart not only opens doors for us in the world but also positions us to receive God’s blessings. Just as a positive attitude is valued in the workplace, it is also a key to experiencing the fullness of God’s favor. When we are ungrateful or negative, we may find ourselves missing out on the blessings God desires to pour into our lives.
We looked at the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed. Only one returned to give thanks, reminding us how easy it is to forget gratitude when our prayers are answered. It’s a sobering thought—how often do we run ahead with our blessings and forget to return to God with thanksgiving? This is a call to pause, reflect, and remember to thank God for every answered prayer and every provision.
The Israelites, after years of slavery and wandering, were warned not to forget God when they entered the Promised Land and experienced abundance. We, too, are prone to forget the source of our blessings, especially when life is going well. It’s tempting to take credit for our success, but Scripture reminds us that it is God who gives us the ability to produce wealth and provides us with opportunities.
Gratitude is not just for the good times. We are called to give thanks in all circumstances, even when life is hard or when serving God leads to suffering or opposition. Like soldiers who endure hardship for a greater cause, we are called to remain faithful and grateful, knowing that our struggles are not in vain. The apostles rejoiced even after being persecuted, because they understood they were serving God, not people. In every season, there is a reason to be thankful—sometimes we just need to look at our situation from a different angle.