19/12/2025
”THANKSGIVING OF FAITH: Believing, Speaking, and Appreciating”
(Mark 11:20‑26; John 6:11; John 11:38‑44)
Recently, while praying for church members and some individuals and groups on my “Prayer intercessional list”, the Spirit of the Lord nudged me to share a word with three of them, that they should: *"Walk in thanksgiving of faith."* Be intentionally thankful to God for the answers they're waiting on—_as if_ they've already happened.
Knowing that a word for one can be a prophecy for all, I decided to share this with you._
THE FARMER:
Imagine a farmer sowing seeds in his field, filled with promise but with no visible signs of growth. With hands lifted and heart full, he thanks God for the abundant harvest already secured in the promise. The seeds haven’t sprouted, but his gratitude reveals a confidence that God’s word is sure.
In the same way, "faith isn’t just waiting for a miracle—it’s praising God" as if the miracle has already happened.*
> *Thanksgiving of faith is embracing God’s word, declaring it, and giving thanks _now_ for the answer—rooted in the Father’s love, mercy, grace, goodness, power, and unfailing promises.*
1. *Believe – The Heart of Faith*
Faith begins in the heart, but it is not a vague feeling; it rests on who God is.
When we remember His *love* that sent Jesus, His *mercy* that forgives, His *grace* that empowers, His *goodness* that never fails, His *power* that creates, and His *provision* that supplies every need, belief becomes more than a hope—it becomes a confident assurance.
When the disciples saw the fig tree that had withered, Jesus used it to teach them a deeper truth: the tree had no fruit, and He wanted them to understand that true faith in God can move mountains. He said, “Have faith in God…” (Mark 11:22‑24).
_Application:_ Identify one “frustrated fruit tree” in your life—a strained relationship, a financial need, a health issue. Write down the promise God has given you about it, and each morning affirm it in your heart, recalling the attributes of the One who promised.
2. *Speak – The Mouth of Faith:*
What we say shapes what we receive, and our words are empowered by God’s *power* and *grace*. In Mark 11:23‑24 Jesus says, “If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt… it will be done.” The power is in the spoken word that aligns with God’s Word. (Rom.10:8-12)
3. *Thank God for answered prayers*
Jesus also thanked the Father before breaking the five loaves (John 6:11). Thanksgiving was the declaration of provision. He did the same at the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:41-44)
_Application:_ When you pray, follow the pattern:
1. *Ask* – state your need, not begging.
2. *Speak* – declare the answer as already received, remembering that God’s *provision* is sufficient.
3. *Appreciate and acknowledge God Almighty* Acknowledge God Almighty and appreciate him for his goodness and wonderful works.
4. *Thank* – give gratitude for the outcome, trusting His *goodness* and *mercy*.
*Thank – The Spirit of Faith*
Thanksgiving is the climax of faith. It acknowledges that God has already acted, and it flows from His *mercy*, *goodness*, and *provision*. Paul tells us in 1 Thes.5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances,” not because the circumstance has changed, but because God’s faithfulness does not change.
_Application:_ After you have believed and spoken, close your prayer with a simple thank‑you: “Thank you, Lord, for the breakthrough that is already manifesting.” Keep a gratitude journal and add each answered prayer, even the ones you are still waiting to see.
*Addressing doubt*
You may wonder, “Is it presumptuous to thank God for something I haven’t yet seen?” The answer is no. Jesus did it, and Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “the substance of things hoped for.” Thanking God ahead of time is an act of confidence in His unchanging character—His love, mercy, grace, goodness, power and provision—not a denial of reality.
*Modern illustration*
Think of a commuter stuck in traffic who whispers, “Thank you, Lord, for a clear road ahead.” He does not magically move the cars, but his gratitude releases anxiety, opens his mind to alternative routes, and positions him to receive God’s provision—whether it be a smoother drive later or peace in the midst of the jam.
*Concrete response*
1. Write a “Thank‑You Note to God” for one unanswered request. Place it on your altar or in a prayer journal and revisit it after a week.
2. Share one “thank‑you” testimony with a friend before the week ends, reminding each other that God works even before we see the result.
*Be intentional and committed to these practices, for they are the outworking of a heart that has tasted God’s love and mercy.*
_Thanksgiving of faith is a three‑fold journey:_
*Believe* in God’s promise,
*Speak* that promise into your situation, and *Thank* God now for the answer—always conscious of His love, mercy, grace, goodness, power, and provision.
_When we live this pattern, the “fig trees” of our lives will wither, the “mountains” will move, the “loaves” will multiply and the dead will be resurrected —because we have already celebrated the victory in the One who is faithful._
Michael O. A. Asenso (PhD)
19-Dec.
Love U, Bless U