2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

When Paul and Silas found themselves in prison after being beaten, they prayed and sang songs of praise to God. Most people would consider this to be an odd response on their part, and in the flesh, it would be. However, they were being led totally by the Spirit, and in ALL things and circumstances, they gave God praise.

 

To praise God in the midst of a catastrophe can only be done as a result of real faith. Faith is total trust in the Lord to not only see you through the storm but in KNOWING and BELIEVING that He has a plan and purpose for allowing this to happen to you. Also, we are to never doubt that God’s Plans for us are ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS……..good.

 

Paul and Silas were in a terrible situation. They knew that the magistrates were probably going to kill them but their faith in God remained strong. If they didn’t have faith, they would not have been able to praise God and sing.

 

As we discussed yesterday, what they did was turn their bad situation into an offering to the Lord. They offered it up to God knowing that He would see them through or somehow make a way for them to escape. Paul would later write No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

 

Faith in Christ and Him Crucified will result in our obedience and bring about Peace in our lives. When we understand all that Jesus accomplished on the Cross of Calvary, we can offer any situation to Him and BELIEVE that He will hear our prayer, and take our request to our Heavenly Father. Our faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross enables us to praise God through anything Satan throws our way.

 

Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

Whatever you are struggling with today, offer it to Jesus in faith knowing that He has already done the Work to solve it. Remember, everything we go through that does not fit into the category of Abundant Life, is an attack of the enemy who comes ONLY to kill, steal, and destroy us. But, Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

 

He accomplished all this FOR US on the Cross of Calvary. It was there that He defeated and disarmed Satan. Our faith in His Finished Work on the Cross is our Victory over anything and everything Satan attacks us with. It doesn’t matter what it is. Turn it into a FAITH OFFERING and give it to God BELIEVING that He will resolve it and bring you Peace and Rest. Then, sing and give God praise for He alone is worthy! Hallelujah!

 

God sent Jesus to………..turn the tide……..in this world.

 

Believe it!         Doreen

 

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