Hello SUM Nation! Author: Nickole Melerotto, North Carolina
One of the things this team of ladies and I have discussed toward the end of 2025 in our weekly prayer meetings is a desire to track prayer requests and answers to prayer. We want to celebrate and relive the moments of answered prayer with all of you! We want to share in gratitude for how God is working in our lives and the “faith mile markers” we all experience.
We’ve discussed gratitude opening the gate to praise and deeper worship, praising God for His faithfulness in His promises, and moving from “what if” to “even if” through gratitude. Let’s move on to the why and how of gratitude and the renewal we experience simply by taking time to give thanks individually as well as sharing, observing, and dwelling on each other’s stories of thanksgiving.
Let’s start with why…Romans 12:2 (ESV) says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Renewal is part of God’s sanctification (setting apart for special use) process in our lives. We cannot claim to follow Christ and not remain unchanged by His Holy Spirit. He is doing a work in our lives and it’s through His power we are transformed and renewed. James 1:2-4 (ESV) says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
We are called to gratitude, especially amid trials, not because God delights in our suffering, but to the contrary. He is quite busy molding, making, purifying, sharpening and honing us into the right tool for the right moment, if we yield to Him. If He made each of us for a unique purpose, there’s no doubt He delights in our growth, in our sharpening and preparation and readiness to partner with Him. The renewal process happens in the good times and in the bad times, but what is important is acknowledging God’s hand in the process even if we can’t see it clearly. We must participate in gratitude because it is how we move through trials and difficulties.
Now to the how…if we’re honest, there is no shortage of moments in each of our lives that would easily lead us down a path of ungratefulness. I’m routinely in seasons of being expected to be both adults in my home due to my husband’s line of work, but if I take the time, even for five minutes, there’s an overabundance of moments to be grateful, moments where God has shown up for me, sent helpers, or even just provided the mental and emotional rest required to jump-start me for the hour, day, or phase of life. NONE of this would be possible without the power of the Holy Spirit and His influence over my life. It doesn’t matter that I could be classified as an “eternal optimist”, I struggle just as much as the next person if I ignore the Holy Spirit. This is where Philippians 4:8-9 ESV comes into play. The Bible tells us “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
This is the formula! We are not spiritually bypassing. Rather, in all circumstances, look for the things in this checklist and be amazed at what God brings to mind. This is where cultivating gratitude individually and collectively benefits us most. When we take time to share and dwell on His faithfulness, our entire perspective changes and has the power to influence the atmosphere around us, especially in our homes.
What struggle has actually turned to something worthy of praise in your life? See you in the comments. Nickole
Rev 12:11a “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony,” NASB
Author: Nickole Melerotto; Nickole is a military spouse residing in North Carolina, a mother of four and grandmother of two. Between the family activities and homemaking, sewing, gardening, and random home projects, she’s pressed to find a dull moment, but loves finding those still, small moments to connect with her Lord.
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