Hebrews 13:15 ‘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’
DAILY READING; Matthew 27:32-66; Deuteronomy 7-8; Job 7
In their initial years of missionary work in South Africa, Robert Moffat and his wife Mary, faced many problems and perils.
Though services were held regularly in the local chapel, few natives attended and most of these seemed totally unconcerned.
His heart afire with the message of salvation, Robert Moffat made many long preaching trips, almost constantly in peril from wild beasts, wild men, hunger and thirst. But the thorn which cut deepest was the seeming utter failure to reach the people for Christ. Often did Robert and Mary Moffat prostrate themselves before God, beseeching Him to intervene.
The water supply being very scant in Lattakoo, Robert Moffat and Mary relocated their mission to Kuruman, eight miles distant. There, several buildings were erected and ditches were dug, conducting water from the river to the gardens, which were soon blooming in the valley. “These gardens are symbolic,” said Robert to Mary. “Some day this spiritual desert shall blossom into a garden for God.” Mary’s faith was no less steadfast. One day a letter came from a friend in England, asking what gift she could send that would help their mission work. “Send us a communion set,” Mary wrote; “we shall need it some day.”
Mary was taking a leap of faith, by asking for a communion set, when yet they had not a single convert!
Her faith did not go unrewarded. Within two years, a miraculous change came over the people as they began listening with reverent and eager hearts to the missionary’s preaching.
Soon the chapel could no longer hold the throngs. The people volunteered to erect a bigger church with their own hands. They gave themselves to prayer and praise, and a number of earnest converts were baptized.
In July, 1829, Mary received a package containing the communion vessels for which she had asked two years earlier. Interestingly, this was just a day before, they were to hold their first Sunday communion service in the mission. That first Sunday of July, 1829 marked an epoch event in the mission, In the climax of the day, the Christians sat down together to observe the Lord’s Supper for the first time with the communion set, that Mary has asked for by faith, even when there had been no sign of any convert.
Faith is the ability to trust God and move in obedience even when we do not see the whole picture.
The fact that you have a genuine call from God does not mean you will not face resistance.
Despite all your hard work, certain things might make growth and progress difficult.
The truth is that in life’s journey sometimes you may have to pass through some valleys before you can get to your mountaintop. It is easy to praise God when things are going well, but what of when you pass through the valleys?
We don’t just praise God when it feels good, looks good, or benefits us in some way, we offer praise, “continually.”
Hebrews 13:15 says ‘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’
Even at those times, it may seem we have a good reason to feel down and discouraged, we must discipline ourselves to always give God thanks in everything.
I Thessalonians 5:18 says “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus’
When you continue to offer the sacrifice of praise, in the midst of difficulties, somehow, in ways you cannot fathom, things will begin to turn around.
You will see that negative medical verdict overturned, the financial problems will be resolved, the family crisis, marital troubles etc will all be overcome.
Indeed there’s nothing God cannot handle in our lives, as long as we stay in praise.
Certainly, He is the God of miracles, who can exceed our every expectations.
As this year rounds up, we must therefore be deliberate in giving God worthy praise. To rise to the mountaintop, you must learn to praise God while in the valley. Indeed Praise will always precede the victory. Your attitude of gratitude will always determine your altitude.
As we praise God this month , He will release to us every hanging blessing and ensure that our cup runs over with His goodness.
PRAYER: Father please enable me to always praise You at all times and in every situation. Please destroy every form of depression and discouragment in my life. Certainly, You are at work, even now, to turn every negative situation around for my good in Jesus Name
QUOTE:
God is preparing you for the season He prepared your breakthrough. – WORDBITE 222
Shalom!
@GOODHEARTEKWUEME珞
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