As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives — the prayers that have been answered, the breakthroughs we’ve witnessed, and the victories we’ve celebrated. It’s easy to express gratitude when the outcome is favorable, when the struggle has passed, and when we can see the fruit of our perseverance. But what if we could learn to give thanks not just at the end of the journey but “in the middle of it”? What if we could cultivate the kind of gratitude that doesn’t wait for the resolution, but chooses to acknowledge God’s faithfulness even while the outcome is still unknown?

In Luke 17:11-19 Jesus is traveling along the border of Samaria and Galilee when He is approached by 10 men suffering from leprosy. They cry out to Jesus from a distance: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13, NKJV). Their plea is desperate, and Jesus responds by instructing them to go and show themselves to the priests. In obedience, they turn and head toward the temple, and as they walk, they are healed.

This healing wasn’t immediate — it was in the process of following Jesus’ command that they began to experience restoration. And yet, only one of them, seeing that he was being healed, turned back to thank Jesus. This one man — a Samaritan — came back to praise God before his healing was fully realized. He didn’t wait until his life was back to normal, until he was reinstated into society, or until his future was secure. He returned in the middle of his healing, while the process was still unfolding, and he offered his praise to God.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that true gratitude doesn’t have to wait for the final outcome. It can — and should — be expressed in the middle of the process. Like the one leper, we too can offer thanks even when we’re still on the journey.

As human beings, we are naturally inclined to praise. We celebrate our children’s achievements, we commend our friends’ kindness, and we cheer on our favorite sports teams when they win. Praise comes easily when life is going well, when victories are won, and when goals are achieved. But what about when life is hard? Can we, like the one leper, turn back to give thanks even when our circumstances haven’t fully changed?

In the Bible we see many examples of God’s people offering praise in the middle of their struggles. One such example is found in Acts 16:25, when Paul and Silas, imprisoned for preaching the gospel, began praying and singing hymns to God. They weren’t praising God after their release — they were praising Him while they were still in chains. Their gratitude wasn’t dependent on their immediate circumstances; it was rooted in their trust in God’s character and His ability to work all things for their good.

This Thanksgiving, don’t wait for everything to be perfect to express gratitude. Like the one leper, return to give thanks “in the middle of it.” Embrace the process, trust God in the trial, and allow His presence to fill your cup. Whether you are in a season of joy or a season of struggle, there is always reason to give thanks. We know that God is faithful, and we know how the story ends — Jesus has already 
won the victory.

As you gather with family and friends this season, take time to reflect on the people, places, and activities that fill your cup. Engage in practices that refresh your soul, and, most important, draw near to the One who offers you living water. Jesus is ready to fill you, not just after the storm has passed, but in the middle of it. Trust Him, thank Him, and let your cup overflow.

— Philip Baptiste is secretary/treasurer for Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries.