Go to God First: A November Reminder of Gratitude

Welcome to the month of November — the month many recognize for Thanksgiving in America.

Fun fact: my first name, Onaopemiposilodooluwa, means “my path is full of thanksgiving to God.” My parents must have been overflowing with gratitude when they named me — it’s long, yes, but incredibly powerful. I’ve always loved it.

Before I grew deeper in faith and started reading the Word for myself, I used to think gratitude was something reserved for November — a once-a-year event. But when I became more knowledgeable about God, I realized something life-changing:

“I don’t have to wait for a holiday to thank God.”

Even now that I know better, November still holds a special place in my heart because I’ve attached intentional gratitude to it.

A Call to Gratitude

This month, I want to encourage you to be thankful for everything — even the things that seem small or silly. (Yes, even that cup of coffee that didn’t spill on your white shirt.)

As 2025 winds down, I’ve been reflecting; and one memory keeps coming back. It’s about a moment when I felt completely stranded, and how God used that situation to remind me who I should always go to first.

When Help Didn’t Come from Where I Expected

Have you ever felt stranded? If yes, I feel you deeply. If not, I sincerely hope you never have to — it’s a terrible feeling.

Sometime this year, I found myself stuck in a situation where I desperately needed help — and not the kind money could fix. Naturally, I started doing what many of us do: reaching out to people. Family, friends… anyone who I thought could help. But no one responded the way I thought they would.

And that’s when God gently reminded me of something I should have remembered from the start:

“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

One of the biggest mistakes we make is running to people before running to God. But the truth is, even our loved ones aren’t built to carry the weight of our burdens. God alone is.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

 The Still, Small Voice

After trying everything and everyone, I finally went to God — fully surrendered, exhausted, and humbled. And in that still moment, I heard a quiet voice whisper:

“Have you asked Dami?”

I hesitated. My mind began its usual dance of excuses:
“She just got married.”
“She’s building her home.”
“She’s busy; I shouldn’t bother her.”

But the prompting didn’t leave. So I reached out to another friend for confirmation, and she said, “Why not? Dami’s a kind person.”

So I left Dami a voice note…… drained, on the edge of tears, and in the middle of preparing for a major exam. I didn’t even have the energy to type or talk long.

When Dami woke up and listened to my message, her reply was simple but powerful:

“I’m here for you. What do you need me to do now?”

Those words broke me. I cried. I couldn’t believe how easily help came once I had stopped striving and started trusting.

And in that moment, I realized something profound:
It wasn’t just Dami coming through — it was God moving through her.

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:2

 The Message

This November — and every month after — remember this:
Go to God first.

Before you text that friend, before you call your parents, before you start panicking — talk to Him. He already has the answer, and often, He’ll send the right person at the right time.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to thank Him for the people who don’t leave you stranded — the ones who show up when you least expect it. They’re reminders of His faithfulness.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As we step into this season of gratitude, may your heart be filled with thanksgiving — not just for what you have, but for who God is and how He shows up for you again and again.

Because gratitude isn’t just something we say — it’s a way we live.