Gratitude for the Unconventional.

A few years ago, I found myself on the brink of a scam. It all began with a heartfelt request on Facebook from a friend, asking for financial help to support a troubled orphanage. Without suspecting foul play, I inquired about the amount needed, which turned out to be £1,500.

I prayed and made a promise to God, pledging to contribute anything to support children. Later, I discovered it was a rip-off and removed the miscreant from my account before making the payment.

As the days passed by, I thought, ‘Father, I promised you, not the scammer, that I would give this money to support orphans. I will keep my promise to you. If you still want me to do this, please show me the orphanage of your choice.’

During that same month, I had lunch with a close friend of mine. I didn’t disclose my embarrassing internet fiasco. Over the meal, he shared his plans to take a small group to India to support an orphanage. Despite its poverty, this orphanage provided care for over a hundred children.

Well, ding dong, the bells went off in my head, and I knew deep down, that this was the orphanage God wanted me to sponsor. I laughed to myself as I handed over the money. The devil meant to kill, steal, and destroy, but God turned it around for good.

Now for the weird part—I thanked God for my gullibility because it provided an opportunity for divine guidance, revealing his goodness, and a remarkable story to share about God’s wonderful ways. This is a side of spiritual warfare we often overlook.

Of course, we often thank God for the good things and the work he’s doing in our lives, but have you ever thanked him for the other stuff? When was the last time you thanked God for the lessons learned through challenging experiences? It’s easy to dwell on the darkness and uncertainties, but what if we shifted our perspective and recognised the opportunity it gives God to shine his light?

Consider the lesson God taught the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. Paul speaks of a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, which tormented him. He pleaded with the Lord to remove it, but God responded, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Paul then embraced his weaknesses, hardships, and difficulties, recognising that it is in those moments that Christ’s power rests upon him.

So, as we go about our day, I encourage each of us to take a moment and reflect on the unconventional blessings in our lives. Consider the times when things didn’t go as planned, when disappointment turned into a lesson, and when challenges became stepping stones towards growth.

Let’s rip those things that hinder us out of the hands of the devil and put them into the hands of God. We do this when we thank God for the weaknesses, the mystery, the hunger, and the inner conflicts. These are the things that give him the opportunity to show his goodness and his strength through us. It’s his show, not ours.

Remember, even in the challenges, God is at work, guiding us, and revealing his goodness. Embrace the weird, the unconventional, and the unexpected, for it is through these moments that we discover the remarkable ways of God. Stretch your faith, he watches your back.