In John 11, Jesus was on the fast track to the cross, but He was taking His time, ministering along the way. This caused Him to arrive too late after receiving a message that His good friend Lazarus was deathly sick. Lazarus had died when Jesus got there, so He and the man's sisters made their way to the tomb.
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”
There is an unmistakable connection between faith and thanksgiving. Jesus was one hundred percent sure of His relationship with His Father. We was completely confident concerning the mission for which He had come. He was thankful for that relationship they had always had. Now He wanted those around to see it and be able to share in it. As He gave thanks to God in prayer He did so not for His benefit, but so that they might believe, that they might have faith. Our thanksgiving is not just for our benefit; it has an effect on those around us. As they see us go through tough times, like death, sickness, suffering or struggles, with thanksgiving in our hearts, words and actions, it challenges and encourages faith in their lives as well. Thanksgiving is good for you, but it is also good for those around you. Spread some thanks and faith today.
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