Good morning thankful ones!

We all have desires that God has placed in our hearts – things we are believing for; situations we are praying to turn around.  These promises start off like seed – They do not come to pass overnight – There is always a period of waiting involved. From the time we pray until the time we see the fulfillment is called, “The trial of our faith.” This is when many people get discouraged and give up – They start believing negative thougths like, “It is never going to happen…” Or, “It is taking too long!” Now, that seed is lying dormant.  It is still alive; it still has potential, but you have to do your part and start watering that seed.  The way you water it is by THANKING GOD IN ADVANCE!

You cannot wait until you receive the promise – You have to THANK GOD that the answer is on the way.

For example, if you are struggling in your finances, say all through the day, “Father, I THANK YOU that whatever I set my hands to prospers and succeeds (Genesis 39:3).  I THANK YOU that I am coming out of debt (Numbers 14:8).  THANK YOU that Your favor surrounds me like a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

When you THANK GOD IN ADVANCE for the answer, it not only waters the seed, but that strengthens your own faith.  This is what Abraham did – God placed the seed in his heart that Sarah would have a baby – 24 years went by – There was no sign of a child – It looked impossible!

Abraham and Sarah were nearly 100 years old – Every voice said, “It was not going to happen.”  They could have easily talked themselves out of it.  But the Scripture says in Romans 4:20,

• Abraham grew strong in faith by GIVING PRAISE TO GOD.

Notice, when you GIVE GOD PRAISE, it gives you strength!  When you THANK GOD IN ADVANCE for the answer, it keeps you encouraged.

PRAISE makes you strong.  PRAISE keeps you moving forward. So often we think, “I will give God PRAISE AFTER the problem turns around.  No, if you do not learn this principle: To THANK GOD IN ADVANCE, you will not have the strength you need to wait for the promise.

What keeps us strong is getting up in the morning and saying, “Father, THANK YOU that You give me the desires of my heart.” (Psalm 37:4; Psalm 20:4).  “Father, THANK YOU that this thing is turning around.” (2 Corinthians 4:18).  And, “Father, You are bigger than this obstacle.” (Psalm 46:1-2).

I want to encourage you today because when you GIVE GOD PRAISE, God gives you strength to keep believing that what He promised is coming to pass.

Giving God praise,

Lisa Gordon

Assistant Pastor

Jesus City Church