John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks.

Yet, in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic.

One night, however, something happened that set in motion a change in Wesley’s heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn’t even have a bed. Yet, he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God.

Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man’s misfortunes. “And what else do you thank God for?” he said with a touch of sarcasm.

The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, “I thank Him that He has given me my life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!”

Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the meaning of true thankfulness.

For what things are you thankful today? Perhaps you can start with these four things:

1. That God is sovereign and in complete control of whatever circumstances you are experiencing.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ (Isaiah 46:10 NIV)

2. That God is with you in your circumstances.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)

3. That God is using the circumstance to make you like Christ.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. (Romans 8:29 NIV)

4. That someday God will wipe away every tear from your eyes when you see Him face-to-face.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NIV)

What are some additional things for which you can express gratitude?

As for John Wesley, he learned a valuable lesson from the porter.

Many years later, in 1791, he lay on his deathbed at the age of 88. Those who gathered around him realized how well he had learned the lesson of praising God in every circumstance. Despite Wesley’s extreme weakness, he began singing the hymn, “I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath.”