No, that’s not a typo in the title, although I can see why you’d think so. We’re much more accustomed to the reminder, “think ahead.”
But recently I came across that title-phrase in Debora M. Coty’s book, Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate [1].
She suggests we turn hindsight—for all God’s previous provision, guidance, and blessing—into foresight and trust his care for us in the future, to thank him ahead of time for what he’s going to do (pp. 115-116).
A doubter might say, “That seems a bit presumptuous. Everybody knows God doesn’t always give us what we want. Thanking him ahead of time for what we may not receive doesn’t make much sense.”
Our doubter is partially right: God doesn’t cater to our every desire, no matter how fervently we pray. But that’s a good thing. Surely all of us can think of a deeply held desire that seemed within God’s will, and we repeatedly asked him to supply it, only to be disappointed.
We’d do well to remember what Puritan minister John Flavel wrote long ago:
We might begin to thank ahead by expressing gratitude for such blessings as deeper confidence in God as we cling to him in trust, greater strength of character that’s growing within, and important life-lessons learned as we wait [2].
But that’s not all.
To thank ahead is a step of faith in what we know.
For example: God turns all things to good for those who love him. We may not see what that good is until we get to heaven, but we know our perfect God always works things out perfectly, in his perfect timing [3].
To thank ahead prepares the heart for what God will do.
Let’s say we need a new car. It would be quite impudent to expect a new Corvette ZR1X and thank God for it ahead of time. But we can be grateful he’ll supply our need of transportation and give us the patience to wait, if necessary, until his chosen moment for provision [4].
To thank ahead turns our minds from worthless worry to uplifting truth.
Why is it our minds love to whirl around anxious thoughts? The act of faith-fueled gratitude shifts our focus from our concerns and problems to God’s attributes and promises.
Psalm 145:7-8 offers a list of attributes to get us started:
Let’s celebrate, not agitate!
Many of you know of George Muller . . .
. . . who built and superintended orphanages in Bristol, England during the 1800s. Over the sixty years of his ministry, thousands of children received loving care within those facilities and learned about Jesus.
Muller was known for his devotion to prayer. He never asked for funding or borrowed to meet expenses.
One morning there was nothing to feed the children. George instructed the housemother to seat the children in the dining room as usual. He then thanked God for the food–and waited. George knew God would not let the children go hungry.
Soon a baker appeared at the door. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” he explained. “And somehow I knew you’d need bread this morning. So I got up and baked three batches for you. I’ll bring it in!”
Minutes later a milkman knocked at the door. “My cart has broken down here on your street, Mr. Muller. It’ll spoil by the time we get the wheel fixed. Could you use some free milk?”
And the ten cans of milk provided just enough for the 300 children [5].
Notice: In this case, George did nothing to solve the problem. He simply trusted and waited.
George knew:
By thanking ahead, we’ll grow such unwavering trust in our own hearts.
[1] Another thrift store find, published by Barbour, 2013.
[2] Hebrews 12:11
[3] Romans 8:28; Ecclesiastes 3:11
[4] Philippians 4:19; Lamentations 3:25
[5] https://www.georgemuller.org/devotional/a-famous-story-about-mullers-faith).
Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.canva.com (3); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.
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