Grateful Heart, Bigger Miracles

I want to ask you a thought-provoking question today: What if you woke up tomorrow with only what you thanked God for today? It’s a simple but powerful question, and it’s one I’ve kept front and center in my home. I have a sign that asks this very question, and just below it is a prayer and praise board. Anyone who visits can see the prayers in my heart, and they’re invited to add their own requests or praises. It’s a tangible reminder of how often we come to God with our laundry list of needs, but today, I want us to think about something else—thankfulness.

This week, we're talking about power, specifically the God-sized miracles He still works today. This is one of my favorite topics because I truly believe God is still in the business of doing the impossible. But I’ve learned a few things over the past couple of years that have changed the way I approach God’s power.

First, I’ve learned that the attitude I bring into prayer makes all the difference. I used to show up thinking, “God uses me to do this, so it’s going to happen.” But I’ve realized that if I approach prayer with arrogance or a mindset of entitlement, God doesn’t use me the way I expect. Have you ever been in a situation where you’re standing with someone who needs healing, provision, or a breakthrough—and nothing seems to happen? I’ve been there, and it can be discouraging. But what I’ve found is that when I enter into prayer with a grateful heart, starting with a simple “Thank You, God,” that’s when I see God move in powerful ways.

Second, I’ve seen that it’s often in the least expected moments that God shows up with His power. There have been times when I was just going about my day—busy, distracted, and focused on my own tasks—and out of nowhere, God used me to touch someone’s life. I’ve learned that when I submit to His will and let His power work through me, with a thankful heart, I am often most effective. Have you had one of those moments when you least expected it? When you were tired, distracted, or in the middle of a busy day, but God still moved powerfully through you? I’ve found that His power works best when I’m willing to step aside and let Him take over.

Third, and this is something I really want to encourage you with today—when there’s a chance to be thankful, take it. Life is challenging. We all face hardships—health problems, financial struggles, relational tension. But it’s often in those moments, the hard and painful ones, that we can see God the most clearly. I’ll never forget the summer of 2020. I was 21, in the hospital, alone because of COVID restrictions, and facing surgery after surgery. To top it off, a massive derecho storm hit Iowa, leaving chaos in its wake. It was a tough season—no doubt about it. But I remember being intentional about gratitude in the midst of it all. Every time a nurse walked into my room, I thanked them for their care. I thanked them for their support. I thanked them for their help. One nurse pulled me aside and said something I’ll never forget: “There’s a difference in this room. We can tell that God is here, and it radiates out. The week you weren’t here, we noticed the absence. It’s a breath of fresh air after the difficult moments we face.” What made the difference? It wasn’t just my belief in God—it was my heart of thankfulness in every step of the way.

So this week, I want to challenge you. Take a moment each day to write down at least five things you’re thankful for. Do it first thing in the morning, and again before you go to bed. Watch as your perspective shifts and the atmosphere around you changes. I’m confident that as you walk through your week with a thankful heart, God will use you more than ever before.

Remember, thankfulness isn't just a nice gesture—it’s a power that invites God to move in miraculous ways. Let’s walk in that power together this week!