RESULT OF THANKSGIViNG
Acts 28:15
“thanked God, and took courage.”
Paul, a prisoner, is on his journey toward Rome. It has had a difficult journey. He has been shipwrecked (27:41-44). He has been bitten by a poisonous snake (28:3) and accused one minute of being a murderer and the next minute of being a god. He has experienced no Christian fellowship for at least three months (28:11-14).
On his approach to Rome, some of the brethren came out to greet and encourage him.
“whom when Paul saw, thanked God, and took courage.”
From this story, we notice 3 things pertaining to Thanksgiving.
I. THE CAUSE OF THANKSGIVING
“When Paul saw” – the word “saw” here means to perceive to consider, to understand.
How often do we not express thanks simply because we do not perceive what God has done in our life.
We need to be more perceptive about the blessing of God in our life.
II. THE CHOICE IN THANKSGIVING
Instead of complaining about his stresses, pressures and persecutions, Paul chose to give thanks.
Instead of bemoaning his imprisonment, he thanks God for friends who come to support him.
Thanksgiving is a choice we make.
Thanksgiving is independent of circumstances but not independent of choice. We choose to thankful or not.
III. THE COURAGE FROM THANKSGIVING
Being thankful, renewed Paul's strength and helped him to be courageous as he faced his imprisonment in Rome.
Gratitude produces fortitude! There is something invigorating about thanks-giving that instills within us a confidence to face the trials of life.
As a person looks at God’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage to face tomorrow.
Thanksgiving today gives me strength for tomorrow.
Try Thanksgiving.. and you will then find your nerves braced, and your loins girded to meet whatever lies ahead.
