In this month that celebrates Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of how vital gratitude and thankfulness are in our lives. In a world dominated by social media and the mantra of “Bigger is better,” it’s easy to overlook the fact that God’s profound miracles working in our lives can arise from modest beginnings. Often, we’re so focused on monumental achievements that we forget the remarkable transformations that occur in seemingly insignificant moments. Let’s explore why we might undervalue these small successes and discuss ways to nurture gratitude to keep moving forward.
Redefining Success Through a Spiritual Lens
It’s easy to lose sight of the small victories when we’re consumed by society’s standards of success. However, Romans 12:2 encourages us to diverge from societal norms, urging us to keep our minds centered on God’s standards. Take Paul, for example. Even when faced with great adversity, his prayers were firmly rooted in spiritual growth rather than physical concerns (Philippians 1:9; Philemon 1:6). As believers, our focus should be on making an eternal impact and serving the kingdom with purpose.
Finding Strength in Setbacks
No matter how picture-perfect someone else’s life may appear, you never truly know the struggles they’ve faced and overcome. In moments when mistakes and setbacks leave us feeling defeated, celebrating might seem like the last thing we want to do. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, disappointment, and self-criticism, losing sight of the breakthroughs that often lie beyond our failures. Keeping your focus on Christ, you won’t be swayed by the enemy’s deceitful tactics (John 8:44). We often learn more from our missteps than from our triumphs. The challenges we encounter might just be laying the groundwork for a future ministry or the growth of our business.
Celebrate Your Wins, Ignore the Noise
When caught up in the opinions of others, we can forget to celebrate our achievements. In the shadow of your small victories, there will always be those who doubt you or think you’re not up to par. However, it’s essential to tune out the noise of external opinions (Proverbs 29:25). There’s no need to validate your worth to anyone. While we may lack the ability to create abundance from little, remember that God can (Matthew 14:17-21). Trust that you are destined to make a significant impact—whether it be on a generation, a nation, a community, or even the entire world!
Staying Grounded in Gratitude
Can we truly remain humble when showered with more abundance, or will our ego risk overshadowing gratitude? Proverbs 16:18 warns us of the pitfalls of pride. Sometimes, the modest gifts we receive are intentional, offering us a clearer view of God’s miracles in action. If God gives us too much too soon, we might overlook His miracles that unfold around us. It’s crucial to recognize and celebrate small victories, because the enemy uses this dissatisfaction to distract us, knowing that these seemingly small successes are just the prelude to God orchestrating something grand for His glory. If we lose our focus on Christ, we risk becoming consumed by what we lack, rather than making the most of what we have been given. Remember to be grateful for the lessons learned at every stage, so you don’t repeat mistakes as you rise to greater heights.
This Thanksgiving season is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves to cherish every achievement, no matter how small. The most significant breakthroughs don’t necessarily occur on grand stages or under the spotlight but in quiet moments and modest beginnings. Keep showing up and nurturing those humble beginnings, for they can lead to remarkable achievements.
Every effort you make, no matter how small, holds great value (Zechariah 4:10). Ecclesiastes 9:11 teaches us that victory doesn’t always go to the fastest. A friend once shared a powerful quote with me: “Put God first and you’ll never be last.” As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s walk with gratitude and see how God can work through us to bring blessings to others, all for His glory.
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press. Follow her on social media at @TheDrDawn.
