Go a Little Further in Gratitude

"Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’" Luke 17:19 (NIV)

The story of the ten lepers reminds us of the power of going a little further. Jesus instructed all ten to show themselves to the priests, and as they obeyed, their healing began. Some healing was immediate, some was progressive, but only one of them took the extra step, turning back to Jesus with a loud, thankful voice.

Notice that Jesus didn’t command them to return. Yet, He was amazed that only one came back to give thanks. That one person not only received physical healing but also experienced inner wholeness. He received emotional and spiritual restoration that went far deeper than the outward cure.

Going a little further often means stepping beyond mere obedience into gratitude, praise, and recognition of God’s hand in our lives. It’s in that step that miracles are fully realized. Physical blessings are good, but spiritual wholeness comes when we acknowledge God’s work and respond with our hearts wide open.

Ask yourself today: Am I like the nine who moved on without thanks, or am I like the one who turned back? Sometimes the distance between receiving a blessing and being made whole is a step of gratitude. Go a little further. Speak a word of thanks. 

Offer your heart fully to the one who has done so much for you.

Prayer: Lord, help me to go a little further in gratitude and praise. Open my heart to see all You have done for me, and let me respond with thanksgiving, so that my healing is complete—inside and out. Teach me to return to You, to acknowledge Your work, and to let my soul be made whole. Amen.

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