A believer was suffering from pain in the gums caused by ulcer-like boils. He suffered for two weeks, struggling with eating and drinking. Finally, he called the pastor and got prayed one evening. The next day morning, he got completely healed.

When asked how he got healed, he responded I don't know how but I am fine now. It was a spontaneous response, a typical reaction after we receive healing and move on with this life without thanking God. With a little prodding and the believer realised that God had healed him, and he took it for granted. He immediately acknowledged and praised God. 

Indeed, we fall short of thanking God in every area of our lives. How do we know we fall short? Is there a measuring rod for it? Of course not. But there is a clear outcome or fruit of everything we do.

What happens when we are thankful?

Thankfulness produces powerful actions. We give cheerfully.

Zacchaeus was greatly thankful for being forgiven that he repaid four times what he took from others. God loved us before we even knew Him. How grateful are you for your salvation? Is your salvation experience powering you into a deeper relationship with God?

Thankfulness provokes us to glorify God.

Ten lepers got healed, but only one returned to thank and praise God (Luke 17:11-19). When do we thank someone from the depth of our hearts? Only when we value someone or something. When you get something that you love, you feel grateful and indebted. 

Thankfulness pleases God.

When we are thankful, we fulfil the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Let's not be distracted by what we see and hear in the natural. Let's stop expecting from man and do what God expects from his children.

Be thankful always. Every privilege on earth is a gift from God. 

Our time is short. Jesus is coming soon. Praise God, and Amen.