PRAISE IS AN ACT OF FAITH

PRAISE IS AN ACT OF FAITH

Text: 2 Chronicles 20:14-17
Memory verse:
“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”
‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭22‬

Faith is taking God at His word. Faith acts on God’s word even when it appears foolish to do so. Faith focuses on God rather than the circumstances. Where faith reigns, anxiety does not exist.
In our text for today, God told the people of Judah who were troubled over the three nations that jointly came against them not to be afraid because He would step in. “And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (‭‭II Chro‬ ‭20‬:‭15).
It takes faith to believe God that you are already victorious in a battle when your enemies are standing strong before you and threatening. It takes faith to laugh when the medical test result shows ‬something deadly! It takes faith to sleep when you just received a letter that your creditors are coming in the morning to take over your business! Now, what did Jehoshaphat do having received the prophetic message from the Lord? 2 Chronicles 20:18-21 tells us that Jehoshaphat received the message, worshipped Him and acted upon the word as being true. So, rather than being afraid, he appointed singers to begin to praise God! Rather than raising up strong soldiers, he raised up strong singers! Rather than focusing at the fierce looking armies of the three strong nations, he and the people of Judah looked at the God of the angel armies! (‭‭II Chro‬ ‭20‬:‭21‬). The result of this act of faith is the turning of the valley of battle to the valley of blessing, that is, Berachah! (2 Chro 20:26)
Friends, there is no better way to demonstrate before God that you believe His word for the new year than to praise Him. As you do, I see God turning all the battles of this year to blessings for you in Jesus name.

Prayer points
1. Father, I praise You for fighting for me and giving me victory in all the battles of year 2023 in Jesus name.
2. Father, I praise You for showing up at the time of my needs and turning my battles to blessings in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations

1. All my battles in 2023 are blessings in disguise for me.
2. Praising God in the midst of trouble is the highest expression of my faith.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng