Over the past few weeks, tornadoes have struck in various cities and towns in The United States. People have lost homes, cars, other essential items and most devastatingly, they have lost family and friends because of these storms. Although this is the first week of May and spring has officially been here for weeks, you wouldn’t be able to tell by the weather in many cities. We want the rain to cease, the storms to blow away and the sun to come out. We are complaining until what we want happens – and then we will still find something else to complain about.
Why do we complain about things that are beyond our control – the things that we cannot change? In my spiritual growth I have learned to accept the things that God throws my way and lean on Him to get me through the storms. There is always someone going through more and having a rougher storm than mine. The best way to get through the toughest storms is to open your umbrella of praise!
I once read the story of a woman who went to China as a missionary. She contracted smallpox during the days where there was no cure; this was considered a deadly disease. She had to be quarantined in her room and the smallpox covered her body from head to toe. Since she didn’t know what else to do, she began to seek God. He spoke to her and said to praise Him for His faithfulness to keep His Word. God showed her a vision of two baskets - one with the trial - this basket was full and the other with her praise - this basket was half full. The Lord told her that she needed to fill her praise basket so that it would outweigh and overshadow her tests. He said to her “When your praise basket is full, your healing will be manifested.” She began to fervently seek and loudly praise The Almighty God, not for her healing, but for His faithfulness. No one had any hope or faith that she would live through this disease but still, she praised! She praised Him for all that He had done and all that He is. She thanked Him in advance for her healing. The Result? God removed every mark of smallpox from her body and she was completely healed.
Praise is the cure to get you through any storm! When you can’t see your way through a storm, praise gives you vision. When you think you just can’t go on, praise is what will give you the strength. When the enemy comes against you, praise is will make him flee! When the Israelites arrived at the enemy’s camp, not one of the enemy soldiers was alive! If the Israelite army can offensively march out against the enemy in praise and then God finishes the battle, how much more will He fight your battles for you? The Israelites knew that God was going to do just what He said based on what He had already done for them. We can take a great lesson from this. Think about the things that God has done for you up to this point and reflect on the promises that He has for your future. God allows battles in our lives to increase our faith.
The amount of your praise determines your breakthrough! Remember that the battle is not yours - it belongs to God! Be fully persuaded that God has power to do what he has promised (Romans 4:21). Stand firm on His word believing that that He will fight every battle and bring you through any circumstance. Praise Him not only when the battle is over but when you are going through. Don’t wait to praise Him after the situation changes - Praise Him to change the situation! Don’t praise Him because of the circumstance; praise Him in spite of the circumstance! Praise God in faith because of what He is going to do in your life. Praise is the cure for everything so take your position!
Be appreciative of all that God blesses you with and be thankful for any stormy weather that comes your way. God can do anything but fail which means that He will bring the sun out at the right time. Praise Him through your storms!
Sending Hope Your Way!
Tanika Jones
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AMEN!!! Very well said, Tanika.
Praise is our greatest weapon and it WILL confuse the enemy!
God bless you.
Ms. Jones, you are a truly gifted writer whom He has obviously touched w/ His Spirit. Please continue to uplift others through your written ministry!!
What a wonderful word and inspiring message! The will of God will never take you where the grace of God won't protect you!!!
Wonderful post. If we were on a boat in the midst of a storm, we wouldn't head below the deck…we'd be out fighting to raise the sails and navigate to safety. This blog details that is exactly what we must do in life by continually Praising and having Faith. Please continue to be encouraged and Blessed!
Tanika,
This message blessed me tremendously. I have been going through a storm and your godly words of inspiration reminded me that I was taking the wrong approach. Instead of complaining about my circumstance and worrying about the outcome, I need to seek God and praise Him for His faithfulness. Thank you for this blessing. It could not have come at a better time.
Bless you Tanika for this God inspired word—
I will continue to give my :anyhow" praises no matter what the circumstances may be. I love how you highlight that we as believers will not be exempt from trouble, but by "choosing" to praise Him in the mist of our trials that God will strengthen us in the midst of your fight.
He said that if I keep my mind stayed on him He will keep me in perfect peace….because I TRUST Him! Isaiah 26:3
How can you not shout Hallelujah?!!
Mandy
Amen and Amen! This was an excellent post, Tanika. I have been struggling through a storm the last few months, and too often I forget to praise the Lord for His faithfulness and guidance in my life. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you everyone. It truly blesses me to know that God is using me! I pray that He continues to give me the words that He needs His children to hear. Be Blessed!
What a wonderful message! Thank you!!
Tanika - Very inspiring message! Well stated. Often times we focus on the issues & difficulties we're having and forget to send up those praises. Let's keep those "umbrellas of praise" open!!
I needed this Word today, awesome. Sometimes I complain and forget to praise. Your article reminded me of that. Thank You and continue to write the visions that God has for you to share.
Thank you Tanika, I'm going thru a strom right now. And I've been praising him inspite of my situation. And every time I praise him, I feel like there's nothing God won't bring me thru. So thanks again for your encouraging words and insight. Pray for me and I will pray for you. Keep letting God use you.