Being grateful BEFORE we receive

via Being grateful BEFORE we receive

Being grateful BEFORE we receive

When we read about the woman who washed Jesus’ feet (in Luke 7), we see that she came before Jesus with a heart of worship and gratitude BEFORE she asked for anything. In fact, she never asked for anything. At the end of this event, in Luke 7:47-48 NIV, Jesus said Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

We can learn a lot from her in that she worshipped Jesus without asking for anything. King Jehoshaphat learned this lesson and we have an amazing story because of it. In 2 Chronicles 20, we read that the Moabites and Ammonites were planning to attack Jehoshaphat. He encouraged the people to praise and worship God in expectation that He would take care of them. In verse 15, the prophet Jahaziel famously said, “‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” What an awesome statement of faith!

In the end, the Moabites and Ammonites turned on each other and Jehoshaphat never even had to lift a finger! This turned all the surrounding kingdoms to God and the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace.

What are you praying for?

What are you expecting from God?

-Let’s start thanking God for the answer now, even before we receive it.