How can we apply Jesus' example of thankfulness in our daily challenges? Setting the Scene at the Tomb John 11:41: “Then Jesus lifted His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.’” • Jesus gives thanks while Lazarus is still dead, showing confidence that the Father literally hears and will act. • His gratitude precedes the miracle, demonstrating faith anchored in the unchanging Word (cf. Isaiah 55:11). Why Jesus’ Thankfulness Matters to Us • Confidence in the Father’s faithfulness—Hebrews 10:23 • Public witness to others—Psalm 40:10 • Strengthening of personal faith—Philippians 4:6-7 • Alignment with God’s will—1 Thessalonians 5:18 Practical Ways to Mirror Jesus’ Thankfulness 1. Thank before you see the outcome ‑ Pray, naming God’s promises aloud (2 Peter 1:4). ‑ Example: “Father, I thank You that You supply all my needs” (Philippians 4:19) even before the paycheck arrives. 2. Thank in the midst of pressure ‑ Replace anxious rehearsing with thankful recalling (Psalm 77:11-12). ‑ Keep a running list of past answers to prayer; read it when new challenges hit. 3. Thank with others listening ‑ Speak gratitude openly at home, work, church—just as Jesus voiced His thanks at the tomb. ‑ Corporate thanksgiving fuels collective faith (Acts 4:24-31). 4. Thank while serving ‑ Jesus gave thanks before breaking bread (John 6:11) and before giving the cup (Luke 22:19). ‑ When serving meals, volunteering, or leading meetings, pause to thank God for the privilege and the people. 5. Thank in the “ordinary” ‑ Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ‑ From commuting to cleaning, verbalize simple thanks: life, breath, opportunities. Building a Lifestyle of Gratitude • Start each prayer with thanksgiving—Psalm 100:4. • End each day identifying three specific gifts God provided. • Memorize key “thanks” verses (e.g., Psalm 107:1; 1 Chronicles 16:34). • Sing or play worship that emphasizes gratitude (Ephesians 5:19-20). • Celebrate answered prayer publicly, encouraging others to trust God’s Word. The Fruit We Can Expect • Peace overruling anxiety—Philippians 4:6-7 • Joy that strengthens—Nehemiah 8:10 • Increased faith to face future trials—Romans 4:20-21 • A testimony that draws others to Christ—Matthew 5:16 Following Jesus’ example at Lazarus’s tomb, we meet every challenge with eyes lifted to the Father and hearts already overflowing with thanks, confident that His Word will surely come to pass. |
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