PRAISE BEFORE BREAKTHROUGH
“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.””
John 11:41-42 NIV
As I’ve often shared, the Kingdom of God operates differently from the world’s way of thinking. In the world, we typically say “thank you” after our needs are met or a favor is done. We express gratitude after the fact.
But with God, He has already given us heaven’s greatest gift through His Son, Jesus Christ. Through this precious gift, we come from a place of victory, thanking God for what has already been made available—even if we haven’t yet seen it manifest tangibly.
Jesus exemplified this truth when He thanked God for Lazarus’ resurrection before He had even seen him. Naturally, our carnal instincts may resist this, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is the Kingdom’s protocol.
As you navigate life in this world, but not of it, make it a habit to praise God in every circumstance. Let your thankful heart set you apart from those who believe only when they see. Your blessedness will flow from believing first, and then seeing.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for this wisdom. From experience, I know that praise leads to breakthroughs. I also know that praise shifts my focus from my circumstances to You. For this reason, it is my delight to offer up my sacrifice of praise, trusting that You hear me when I pray. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• John 17:16
• John 20:29
• Matthew 1:3
