Topic: Handling Family Challenges (3)
Dear Reader,
It is with great joy and excitement that I welcome you once again to this wonderful segment. I know that by now you would have been able to successfully handle those challenges discussed thus far using the recommended remedies. If you have not, I suggest that before you read further, first apply the forces of forgiveness and meekness and see your family take on a new look.
This week, I have decided to bring you another family challenge that sounds so simple, yet has ruined many families. This is Ingratitude.
WHAT IS INGRATITUDE?
It is unthankfulness. It is failing to acknowledge or appreciate acts of kindness either by God or man. The enemy uses this to distract you from seeing what God has done and focus on what has not been done. A man is waiting on God for a breakthrough, but he is doing so murmuring and complaining. He feels he has done all he ought to have done to experience this breakthrough. He feels that his mates or those supposedly younger than him have achieved much, while he still remains at the same spot. Rather than see what God has done, he is wondering what his offence against God is. This is ingratitude to God.
You may not have achieved what you desire yet, but think about this: some who are the same age with you are insane, others are crippled and some others don’t know where the next meal will come from. Instead of dwelling further on your plight, switch to thanksgiving and praises unto God, for the great things He has done for you so far. Turn the reason for ingratitude into the object of thanksgiving. As you do so, you will encounter the God who is glorious in holiness and fearful in praises.
But, What Should You Be Thankful For?
Thank God for the privilege of being alive and well. Thank God for making you a marriageable material. The mad people on the streets are not thinking of marriage. Some of them are not even clothed, neither do they have shelter. But you have all these. These are more than enough reasons to thank God. As you thank God for those things you have, He will perfect all that concerns you (Psalm 138:8).
Jesus lived a life of gratitude and that resulted in the miracle of the feeding of 5,000 men. The Bible says: Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude (Luke 9:16). When Jesus gave thanks, the seemingly insufficient lunch pack of a little boy became sufficient for 5,000 men. Thanksgiving brought about the increase they needed at that time. Also, Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus who had been dead for four days and was already smelling gave thanks. The Bible says: Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me (John 11:41). When He gave thanks, the dead, rotten and smelling Lazarus came back to life. As you give thanks to God every dead, rotten and smelling part of your family will be restored in Jesus mighty name!
Another type of ingratitude is that towards your partner. Many husbands and wives do not appreciate the little kind acts of their partners. They never say, “Thank you.” Though made up of just two words, saying “Thank You” can bring a lot of joy and peace to the home. Some husbands have stopped providing for the home because their wives never appreciate their efforts. No matter how much they spend, it is never enough.
On the other hand, some husbands find it difficult to appreciate their wives’ inputs at home. No matter how much effort she puts into the smooth running of the home. The man comes in from work, shouting and yelling finding fault with all she has done. The woman soon becomes weary and feels she can never please him. Learn to say “Thank you“ for every little act of kindness and see how exciting your marriage will become.
It is also necessary to appreciate the various inputs of those who live with you and lend a helping hand around the house. Even if you come home to discover that your house-help has done something wrong, don’t start yelling at her and calling her names. You can start by acknowledging the things she has done right and then call her attention to the things not well done. When she does something well, learn to say, “Thank you”. Never forget that good words are worth much more and cost little. You should also learn to say “Thank you” to your children, when they do thank-worthy things. Remember, gratitude is what determines altitude.
To live a life of gratitude like Jesus, you need to accept Him as your Lord and personal Saviour by being born again. If you want to be born again, then make this confession of your faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
