As we approach the season of thanksgiving, many of us have much for which we can be grateful. God has blessed us beyond measure and “so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). And, having received these blessings, we thank Him with our prayers of gratitude. But is it enough to thank God for what He has already provided?
Rick Warren, pastor and author, suggests that while it is absolutely right to be grateful, the true test of faith is to thank God in advance for the things He will provide. In his article, Faith Is Thanking God in Advance, Warren illustrates his point.
“If I handed you a check right now for a thousand dollars, would you wait until you cashed it to thank me? No! You’d thank me right now. But the money wouldn’t be yours until you actually cashed it, because that check is really a promise. When I gave you that check, you’d say, “Thank you, Rick.” You’d believe that I was credible and that I had enough money in the bank to cover that check for a thousand dollars.”
Using this approach to our faith, we recognize God for who He is and what He has already done. But Jesus says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” When we thank God in advance for all we need, we acknowledge His authority and can be assured He will do what He promises before we see it in our lives. It is the truest expression of gratitude and thanksgiving we can offer.
However, our faith cannot end with the provision of blessings. It must be accompanied by action. We are called to be abundant in our work and give a testimony to the goodness of God.
James 2:16, says “If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
Thank you for what you have done this year. Because the people of the Susquehanna Annual Conference support the Disaster response ministry, it can keep people “warm and well fed.” Your faithfulness allows volunteers to clean out a muddy basement, sort through debris, help restore a home after flooding, and give a testimony to God’s goodness. Our connection as United Methodists allows the ministry to confidently provide blessings to others in their time of need and ensures we can follow through.
I pray for your continued support of the Disaster Response Ministry. And I believe, through God, that your faithfulness will allow the ministry to continue to bless others through abundant works while being a caring, Christian presence.
