BEFORE THE BREAKTHROUGH
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:17 (NIV)
There are seven Hebrew words in the Old Testament for worship, each revealing a distinct aspect or expression of it. The one we’ll consider today is todah, defined in Jewish tradition as: an expression of faith, a declaration of trust, an offering of thanksgiving, especially before the answer comes.
George Müller was a Christian minister in England known for caring for thousands of orphans during the 19th century. What made his life remarkable wasn’t just his compassion–it was his unwavering faith in God’s provision. Müller never asked anyone directly for money or supplies. Instead, he prayed. One morning, the orphanage’s housemother came to Müller and said, The children are dressed and ready for school, but there’s no food for them to eat. Müller nodded calmly and said, Have them sit down at the tables. He prayed, thanking God for the food He was about to provide—even though there was none in sight. He didn’t beg or panic; he simply thanked God in advance, believing the answer would come. Moments after the prayer, there was a knock at the door. A local baker stood there and said, Mr. Müller, I couldn’t sleep last night. I felt God wanted me to bake bread for you. May I bring it in? Soon after, the milkman’s cart broke down in front of the orphanage. Knowing the milk would spoil, he offered it to the children. That morning, every child ate a full breakfast. This man trusted God in big ways, living with great expectation that God would answer his prayers.
Today, let’s live in great anticipation and curiosity of how God might surprise us with His presence and blessings. Let’s thank God in advance, then be on the lookout for what He’ll do. This declaration of trust is an act of worship.
APPLICATION: When you face a need today—whether it’s provision, direction, or healing—pause before the worry takes over. Instead of praying only for the answer, thank God in advance for how He will provide. You may not see the bread and milk yet, but look beyond the empty table, ready to see the faithful hand of God at work.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for hearing me even before I see the answer. Teach me to trust You the way George Müller did—to pray with confidence and to thank You before the blessing arrives. Help me rest in Your timing and rejoice in Your faithfulness. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?