Thanks Giving Service: What You See Is What You Get

Introduction

Our scripture reading comes from Genesis 30:37-43, where we find the story of Jacob and his clever strategy with Laban’s flock:

“Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks. He set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink, the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted.” (Genesis 30:37-39 ESV)

This passage tells us of Jacob’s faith and the principle of vision. Despite Laban’s attempts to cheat Jacob by taking away the speckled and striped sheep, Jacob remained determined. He focused on what he saw and believed God would bless him despite the odds. Through this, we see an important message: what we focus on shapes what we receive from God.

The Power of Vision: “What You See Is What You Get”

Our ability to “see” affects what we can receive from God. Jacob’s actions were rooted in faith, trusting that God would multiply what he had.

Similarly, in our own lives, what we focus on shapes our reality. If we spend time dwelling on negativity, consuming news or media that fosters fear or worry, those feelings will shape our outlook. Jesus emphasized this when He said in Matthew 6:22:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”

(Matthew 6:22 ESV)

Just as Jacob had faith that God would bless him, we too must focus on the promises of God, trusting Him to bring good things into our lives. What we see is what we get—so we must ensure we’re focusing on God’s goodness.

Personal Story: The Power of Focus

Early in my marriage, I had a desire to study theology, but we didn’t have the financial resources at the time. Every night, I would go online, look at courses, and imagine myself earning a degree in theology. I kept this vision alive in my heart, believing that one day it would come to pass.

Eventually, through faith and perseverance, I completed my studies and earned my bachelor’s degree in theology. Now, when I look at that degree on my wall, it’s not just a symbol of academic achievement—it’s a reminder that what you see is what you get. By focusing on that goal, God made it a reality.

This same principle applies to other areas of our lives, whether it’s career, family, or personal growth. What we focus on and expect in faith will determine what we receive.

Seeking God with Vision and Gratitude

We honor God by making Him the center of our vision and faith. To honor Him is to value Him above everything else, seeking His face in prayer and worship. When we focus on Him, everything else falls into place. Hebrews 12:2 tells us: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

We cannot look at two things at once. We can’t fix our eyes on our problems and on Jesus simultaneously. Instead, we must focus on Him, trusting that He will guide us through every circumstance.

Gratitude Shifts Our Perspective

Gratitude has the power to change how we see our circumstances. In Acts 3:4-5, we see Peter and John encountering a man begging for alms:

“And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.”(Acts 3:4-5 ESV)

Though the man expected only a few coins, God had a much greater miracle in store for him. This reminds us that when we look to God in expectation, He often exceeds our hopes and delivers miracles in ways we may not anticipate.

Jesus is still in the business of performing miracles. He is still breaking through barriers and providing where we need it most. When we fix our eyes on Him with gratitude, we open ourselves up to receive His abundance.