Back when I used to produce baby food for sale, one of the items we made was pap, a favorite and often the first meal for many babies. During one of our productions, God used an unexpected incident to teach me the power of gratitude.
If you have ever made pap, you will know how tedious the process can be. It is days of soaking, grinding, straining and packaging, work that demands patience and grit.
One particular time, after days of labor, we had finally reached the stage of draining the excess water to get the dry pap. As we worked, the bucket slipped from our hands, knocking over two other full buckets and breaking all three.
My husband stood there in shock, as if expecting me to burst into tears. In retrospect, I think I half expected myself to cry too.
Just like that, days of effort were gone. I stood frozen, stunned by the loss and chaos before me. But something remarkable happened. I did the last thing I expected.
At that moment, I began to worship. Instead of despair, I found myself offering praise to God. Somehow, I managed to stay joyful. What could have ruined my day, week or even my month, became an opportunity for God to teach me a lesson in gratitude. Through that incident, I learned that even in moments of loss, there is room for thanksgiving.
Did the pap miraculously return to the bucket? No!
You see, giving thanks isn’t conditional, it’s a command we’ve been given. Scripture reminds us that it is God’s will for us to give thanks in all circumstances. Not in some situations, not only when life is smooth or everything is going well, but in all things. In the midst of pain, chaos, and storms, we are called to give thanks! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In life, unanswered prayers and difficult seasons can test our joy. Yet, the Bible repeatedly calls us to maintain gratitude and thanksgiving as key attitudes that honor God and unlock His power in our lives.
It’s easy to feel thankful when we have everything we desire, but much harder when we’re waiting for a promise to be fulfilled or a prayer to be answered. Yet, in these moments, complaining is not the way forward.
In fact, God views complaining as rebellion (Numbers 14:1-6). Remember when the Israelites grumbled against Him in the wilderness, they weren’t just expressing frustration; they were rejecting His goodness and leadership. Their attitude ultimately delayed their entry into the Promised Land, causing many to perish in the wilderness.
Have you ever wondered why the devil tries to get you to complain and grumble? He knows it’s a strength sapper, a faith drainer, and a dream killer. He understands that it will keep you wandering in the wilderness for years, preventing you from stepping into your promised land.
More importantly, the devil doesn’t want you to realize this: Praise and thanksgiving neutralize him. They are like kryptonite to him.
Praise and thanksgiving are powerful spiritual weapons that flow from deeply rooted faith, and they are often the final step before receiving from God. They demonstrate that you have faith in His Word, have eliminated all unbelief, and have focused your mind entirely on His promises. That’s a powerful place to be!
Bill Winston says, “Praise is much more than just music; it is a powerful tool for spiritual warfare. God never intended for you to fight your battles alone. Praise shifts the battle from you to God.”
