The Lord says for this time:
"Give thanks in everything, and do not cease giving thanks. Give thanks even in advance for your coming miracle or breakthrough, whatever the situation or problem you may be facing at the moment. As you give thanks and as you look to Me, watch how My hand is going to work things out for your good."
Philippians 4:5-7 (NKJV) says, 'The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...'
The word 'thanksgiving' here is 'eucaristia' in Greek. It can be defined as 'to show gratitude as an act of worship'. You see, giving thanks to the Lord is part of your worship to God!
So, whatever your situation or circumstance may be at the moment, begin to give thanks to the Lord! Give thanks even in advance for your coming miracle or breakthrough that you need!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) says, 'In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.'
The Apostle Paul wasn't saying you are to accept your problem in life as "fated", and that nothing can be done to improve your situation or your life. But what he was saying is in spite of your current situation or problem that you may be facing, you can give thanks to God, knowing that victory, miracle, or breakthrough is at hand!
Notice the words 'this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you' here. Do you see that? In Christ Jesus! Now, that makes a whole lot of difference! You know why? On the cross, some 2,000 years ago, He made that difference! He has carried away all your curse and all your problems when He died for you! Because of that, you are now blessed with every blessing that comes from the Lord!
And that's why Apostle Paul wrote, 'In everything give thanks.' Yes, even if it's a challenging situation in your life! Because in Christ Jesus, there's already a victory, there's already a breakthrough, and there's already a miracle! And there's already a way out for you, whatever your situation may be!
1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) says, 'But thanks be to God, who gives you victory through Christ Jesus our Lord.'
The word 'gives' here in Greek is both in present tense and continuous tense. It actually means 'keeps on giving'. In other words, God keeps on giving you the victory and breakthrough that you need! That's why the Apostle Paul was saying to give thanks to God, for the very fact that God keeps on giving you the victory and breakthrough in your life!
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.'
Do you see the word 'always' here? The word 'always' here really means 'always'. Not 'sometimes'. Not 'often times'. Not even 'almost always'. But 'always'. Period. 'Always' means 'always'. We give thanks to God because He always leads us in triumph in Christ! You see, to triumph is not just to have the victory, but also to celebrate the victory that He has given us!
Are you facing a difficult situation in your life at the moment? Maybe it's a health issue. Maybe it's a mounting debt. Maybe it's a problem that seems to have no solution. Whatever your situation or problem may be, take heart in what the Lord has done for you on the cross. Look to Him and all that He has done for you on the cross. His finished work on the cross!
And because He has done all that for you, you can begin to give thanks! Yes, even give thanks in advance for your coming victory, breakthrough, and even miracle!
Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.'
Do you see that? Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! As a believer in Christ, you are the redeemed of the Lord! And let you say so! Say what? Give thanks to the Lord! Let the redeemed of the Lord (that's you) give thanks to God! Why? Because He has set you free, and He has redeemed you from the hand of the enemy!
The words 'give thanks' here is very interesting. It's 'yada' in Hebrew. It literally means 'to shoot out your adoration and gratitude (towards the Lord)'. In other words, as you praise the Lord and honor the Lord for His greatness and for all the good that He has done, you also express your thanksgiving to Him for His goodness!
In my life, I know He has never failed to help me, and deliver me, even from the darkest of situation. He has always been there. And I believe He will not fail you too. He definitely has a way out for you!
