So, we just celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Each of us can look back over this year and ponder all its difficulties. Some of us struggle to be thankful. Maybe you’re believing for financial breakthrough. Or maybe this pandemic caused a major shift in your normal with the loss of a loved one or newfound loneliness. Many of us are still believing for God to answer prayers offered at the beginning of the year. Personally, I felt God nudging me to thank Him for the answer despite not seeing it yet. I know this sounds like an extremely hard task. Let’s look at an example in the Bible.
During the time of King Jehoshapat, the children of Israel came under attack from three neighboring nations. These tribes have an interesting history with the children of Israel in that God told them not to attack as they settled in the Promised Land. Now, these nations rose against the children of Israel in battle. Ever the wise leader, King Jehoshapat took some major steps in seeking the Lord’s help. His first response was to pray and fast. All of the Israelites joined him and humbled themselves before the Lord. Next, they acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty and might. They rehearsed past victories. King Jehoshapat reminded God of His promise to Abraham. This was their Promised Land! Finally, they brought their problem to God and placed their trust in Him to deliver them.
What happened next is amazing! The Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord came over one of the men. He prophesied that the Lord would fight for them. The children of Israel only needed to be still and watch. So, what did they do next? Did they continue to stress over the armies surrounding them? Did they cower in fear in their homes? No! The next morning they sang and praised the Lord for the victory. The moment that the Israelites praised the Lord, an ambush was set over their enemies. They attacked each other until not a single one remained alive. Praise unlocked the victory that already belonged to the Israelites! God even took it a step farther. The Bible says it took them three days to gather the spoils off the enemy. This foolish army went to war with their name brand spears and armor. Because of the mighty deliverance, the Israelites called the place the Valley of Blessing.
The Bible says that God hears us as soon as we pray. We know that He always keeps His promises. He will not let His word return void. But it takes faith for the middle, the time between when we pray and when we see the answer to our prayer. Praise is another powerful tool for it confuses the enemy. The devil expects us to be depressed, worried, or afraid. When we praise God for the victory, we set an ambush against the hindrances of the enemy. We allow God to work on our behalf. Praise opens the door for us to step into our victory.
So, maybe you’re like me? You’ve prayed and fasted. You reminded yourself of all the times that God’s been good. You’ve written His promises and acknowledged His might. You placed your trust in Him despite the surmounting problem. Now, all that’s left to do is stand still. The battle is no longer yours. Praise Him for the victory that He is giving you!
Be encouraged! :)
Written by Christa Martina
FB Page: See Martina Write
Scripture Reference: 2 Chron 20: 1-30 (NLT)
Psalms 138:1-3 (NLT) “I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.”
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