Gratitude Before Receiving: Learning from Hannah

Welcome to Week 1 of our Gratitude Series at Calvary Orlando! This week, we’re discovering how gratitude can transform our hearts and lives, helping us grow in faith and draw closer to God.

Our journey begins with the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-20. Despite years of disappointment and waiting for a child, Hannah chose to worship God with a grateful heart even before seeing her prayers answered. She moved from sorrow and pity to hope and joy, displaying the power of gratitude even in the midst of waiting. Her choice to worship in advance of her miracle teaches us that gratitude is often a vital link to hope and faith.

Many of us find ourselves waiting on God, hoping for answers or breakthroughs. Yet, like Hannah, we’re invited to worship and give thanks even before our circumstances change. Gratitude can be a declaration of faith, reminding us that God is at work even when we can’t yet see the results.

Gratitude After Receiving: The Leper’s Story

In Luke 17:11-19, we find an inspiring example of gratitude from the one leper who returned to thank Jesus after being healed. While ten lepers were healed, only one—a Samaritan, an outsider—returned to express gratitude. This story reveals that gratitude isn’t automatic; it’s a conscious choice. God’s blessings aren’t always met with a response of thankfulness, yet He remains faithful.

Like the leper, we are encouraged to recognize and respond to God’s goodness, not just when we receive what we desire, but because of who He is. Even if others overlook their blessings, we are invited to return to God with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging that every gift is an act of His love, not something we can earn or “bargain” for.

Grounded in Gratitude

True gratitude goes beyond our current circumstances and is grounded in something much deeper: the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ. As we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are to "give thanks in all circumstances," anchoring our gratitude in the eternal love and redemption offered through Christ. Whether or not we get what we want, we can be thankful because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross and the promises of God that remain unchanging.

One way we keep our gratitude grounded is by continually remembering God’s blessings, just as the Israelites were called to do during the Passover in Deuteronomy 8:6-18. Let’s intentionally reflect on what He’s done, from big miracles to the small, daily blessings. We can practice gratitude for:

• God’s enduring presence in our lives
• Family and community
• The privilege of serving as a church
• Our homes, provisions, and the beauty of Florida

The Gift of Communion: A Moment of Thanksgiving

In Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, we engage in a practice of profound gratitude. The word **Eucharist** itself means “Thanksgiving” in Greek. When we partake in Communion, we’re reminded of Christ’s invitation to fellowship with Him and His desire to be close to us. We remember that:

• Christ welcomes us to His table—who are we, that God would desire our company?
• We are forgiven and live in covenant with God, filled with His promises.
• We look ahead to His return and the eternal hope we have in Him.

Communion isn’t just a remembrance of the past; it’s a celebration of Christ’s living presence and His invitation to us today.

Altar Call: Practicing Gratitude Together

Let’s take time to thank God for all He has done, is doing, and will do. Whether you are waiting for an answer, have just received a blessing, or are simply grateful for who God is, we invite you to join us in gratitude. Remember, gratitude is a choice we can make in every season.

Key Scriptures from This Week’s Message:

• 1 Samuel 1:1-20 – Hannah’s gratitude in waiting
• Luke 17:11-19 – The grateful leper
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
• Deuteronomy 8:6-18 – Remembering God’s blessings

How to Stay Connected

Stay tuned for more messages in our Gratitude Series. Don’t miss out on all that God is doing here at Calvary Orlando. Follow us on social media, visit our website, and join us each week as we grow together in faith and gratitude.

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