Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Praise God for the Victory in Advance!
Dr RJ Sing
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat received a bad report (v 2). A negative report can knock you down, as illustrated through the bad report given by the 10 spies in Moses’ day. Your response to a bad report often determines the outcome.
Jehoshaphat’s response teaches several lessons. First: don’t respond in fear, but in faith (2 Chronicles 20:3). Second: find a promise that fits your case and stand upon that promise, using it as the basis of your prayer (v 9). Third: based upon that same promise, claim your inheritance and stand your ground, resisting all claim jumpers (v 11). Fourth: turn the battle over to God (v 15). Finally, praise God for the victory in advance (v 21-22)!
The world takes a bad report as the final statement of fact regarding a matter. As a Christian, you know that we can reverse a report. Jehoshaphat’s ordeal went from the dreadful fear and alarm of the first report to the joyful, triumphal return to Jerusalem. The same battle plan will work for you: Fear not, find a promise, claim your inheritance, turn the battle over to God and praise Him in advance. You will win!
From the November 2011 issue, themed “I Must Experience 1000 Times More”.
