Something you have to realize, is the fact that thanksgiving puts you ahead. Thanksgiving to God gives you more than you already have. As a matter of fact, the way to get more of anything you have is appreciation. Learn to appreciate God, and learn to appreciate men. The Bible says, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
If you see any man who has been poor for a long time, you are seeing a man who is ungrateful. If you are in lack and have been in one position in your life for a long time, chances are you are ungrateful. Gratitude always increases anything you have. I've not met a man who is grateful and remained small—it's not possible.
When you appreciate little things, you see bigger things. You don't get more by crying for more. Appreciation is a principle, just like humility is a principle. There are different principles of life; if you learn to use them, you will live a very wonderful life. Look at the example of Nathanael. Jesus told him, "…Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee" (John 1:48). As simple as that statement was, someone else might have said He was guessing or made a mistake. At this time, Jesus had not done any miracle; his ministry had not fully started. Yet Nathanael appreciated it and believed. Nathanael answered and said, "…Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel" (John 1:49). Immediately, he called Him Master. Then Jesus said, "…Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these" (John 1:50).
When you appreciate little things, you will see greater things. Do not despise little things, for the Word says, "...who hath despised the day of small things?..." (Zechariah 4:10). The secret to your big breakthrough is hidden in the little one you are not appreciating. You will never see big things until you learn to see the hand of God in small things. Learn to appreciate little things. You need to understand that God responds to a heart that recognizes His hand in small details. If you cannot thank Him for the little, you are not ready for the big. Stop waiting for a big miracle before you offer big thanks. Be "giving thanks always for all things..." (Ephesians 5:20). Use your appreciation to open the door for the greater things God has promised.
Your increase in life is tied to the sound of your gratitude. If you want to move from where you are, to where you ought to be, stop complaining about what is missing and start celebrating what is present. Make appreciation your lifestyle today, and you will find that the little in your hand will not remain small when it is placed in the atmosphere of a thankful heart.