THANKING GOD IN ADVANCE . . .

THANKING GOD IN ADVANCE . . .

Addision Raws, the son of the founder of America's KESWICK preached a message often about God being "The God of the Previous." In his message he shared that we need to thank the Lord IN ADVANCE for the answers to the prayers that we have offered to him.

We are in the midst of some challenges financially. The summer slump is upon us and we have been asking God to supply the needs for the ministry, something we have done consistently over the course of 109 years of ministry. God HAS BEEN faithful. Ten years ago a Christian businessman looked at our financials and said, "I give this ministry two years and it will be down the tubes." The interesting thing is that this ministry belongs to God. He is the One who has preserved and protected it for 109 years. It is unexplainable apart from God.

Today's reading in my quiet time reminded me that HE KNOWS our need and that we can praise and thank Him in advance of the victory that is to come:

"Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me.'" (John 11:41)

The sequence of events in this passage seems strange and unusual. Lazarus was still in his tomb, yet Jesus' thanksgiving PRECEDED the miracle of raising him from the dead. It seems that thanks would only have been lifted up once the great miracle had been accomplished and Lazarus had been restored to life. But Jesus gave thanks for what He was about to receive. His gratitude sprang forth BEFORE the blessing had arrived, in an expression of ASSURANCE that it was certainly on its way. The song of victory was sung BEFORE the battle had been fought. It was the Sower singing the song of the harvest -- it was thanksgiving BEFORE the miracle!

Who ever thinks of announcing a victory song as the army is just heading out to the battlefield? And where do we ever hear a song of gratitude and thanksgiving for an answer that has not yet been received? Yet in this Scripture passage, there is nothing strange, forced, or unreasonable to the Master's sequence of praise BEFORE the miracle. PRAISE is actually the most vital preparation to the working of miracles. Miracles are performed through spiritual power and our spiritual power is always in proportion to our FAITH." from STREAMS IN THE DESERT

Are you facing a challenge in your life right now? Have your prayed about it? If so, thank and praise God IN ADVANCE for the answer that is already on its way!!!