Thanks in Advance

The Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching. This is the time when we, as Americans, take a collective step back to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Family, friends, and life are commonly found high on the list. And generally, we express thanks for the things that we have. This year, let’s also remember to give thanks for the things that are coming.

God has a plan for each of our lives. It is a plan that was devised before we were even created. And it is wonderful. Just take a look at Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God already knows what He has prepared for us and what He wants to give us. So why not thank Him in advance?

Yes, too often, we fall into the secular trap of, “Seeing is believing.” We may thank God for our family because our loved ones are right there in front of us. But what about those of us who are praying for God to add a spouse or a child to our lives? Let’s thank God right now! We often thank God for our material things, like the roofs over our heads, the clothes on our backs, and the food on our tables. But what about those things that we are trusting God for, like a new home, new car, or new job? Let’s thank Him now!

As Christians, we understand that we don’t need to wait for the Thanksgiving holiday to thank God for what he has done. Now, let’s remember to give God thanks in advance for the things He is going to do.

I’m thanking God right now for the things that are to come!