When I reflect upon life, I realize there are many times where the storm is rough and where there seems to be no hope in sight. Life seems to throw lemons in our faces. Nothing is going the way we want. We don't have a job. We're stressed out and overwhelmed. We feel like we are perishing because there is no vision. In these moments, we ask ourselves when will the promise come. When will the prophesies come to pass?
In the midst of this, being grateful is the key to surviving and overcoming. Being thankful in the midst of our storm brings a reassurance and peace to our hearts that everything is going to be ok. Everything is actually working out for our good even though we can't see it. The truth is, we don't need to see it. For what is faith then, if we walk by sight?
Gratefulness strengthens our faith. When we thank God for all the things He has done for us, our faith grows stronger. When we thank God for bringing us through each storm, all doubts and fears begin to fade away. Life is a faith journey. It's a journey where we must have the right attitude and posture in order for us to see the promise.
The people of Israel waited for the promise land for a number of years. During that time, they walked in the wilderness for forty years with an attitude of complaining and grumbling. They were discontented with their present situation. They didn't even thank God for bringing them out of Egypt where they were in slavery and bondage. It's quite surprising that they would complain, isn't it?
Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:2-3 (NKJV)
They were not grateful. Their minds were set on their past worldly experience that seemed to be joyous but really they were blinded. They forgot about the numerous beatings from the Egyptians, the long days working in the sun and the many times that they wondered if it would ever end. Truly you would think that they would be grateful but they weren't. As a result, they never got to see the promise land. They never saw the land flowing with milk and honey.
Grumbling is an attitude that we must be aware of. We don't want to miss what God has for us because we complained. In the midst of every storm, God is there. He knows best. He sees the end from the beginning.
An attitude of gratefulness will sustain and carry us through. It will bring us to the promise. In everything, give thanks and be grateful!
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
