A New Thanksgiving Tradition

It is common during this season to give thanks for the things in life you consider blessings. You look around, take stock, and can always find things to be grateful for. Nothing new here.

But I want to ask you to do something different this year around your dining room tables. I want you to thank God, IN FAITH in advance for the things you are believing Him for.

Honestly, this idea just popped into my head as I sat here thinking about the feeding of the 5,000 in the Gospels.

I am sure you are familiar with the story, but just to sum up-

The disciples come to Jesus and say the crowds are hungry, telling Jesus he should send them away so they can get food. Jesus has compassion, and tells his disciples to go and give the masses something to eat. Incredulous at the monstrosity of the task, they make a search and find a few fish and loaves of bread. BEFORE GOD EVEN PROVIDES A SINGLE EXTRA FISH OR LOAF OF BREAD, Jesus gives thanks to His Father for the impending miracle.

He gives thanks for the miracle before it happens.

Did you get that?
I used to think it was a little weird when I would hear people thank God in advance for answering their prayer.

I don’t anymore. Not after I reread the gospels and saw that in fact, that’s mostly how Jesus did things too!

Have your kids write a thank you note to their Heavenly Father for the answer to their prayers even before they see it. Go public and thank God for the miracle you have been silently praying for before it comes to pass! This Thanksgiving, thank Him ahead of time for specific answers to prayer. In faith. Believing, as the loving Father He is, that He wants to bless you, lead you, and protect you. Thank Him ahead of time.

And then watch in wonder as He fulfills your prayers.

What are some of the things you would include on your list of “pre-answered miracles?”