Praise always comes before victory…

Good morning Jeanette,

Let us each morning, as an act of our will, put on the “Garment of Praise” (Isa 61:3).

2 Chronicles 20 exemplifies that our battles belong to the Lord and the victory is His.

No matter how overwhelming the circumstances may seem, when we turn to God in faith, worship, and obedience, He works miraculously in our favor.

It’s a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and His love for His people.

2 Chronicles 20:21 (AMP) says,

“When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever!”

The Bible tells us that God inhabits the Praises of His people (Ps 22:3).

Jehoshaphat and the people bow in worship, with the Levites leading in praise.

As they begin to sing and praise, God sets ambushes against the enemy armies, leading to their self-destruction.

So based on that scripture alone the best way for us to get God involved in our struggles is to praise Him in the midst of our struggles.

We can see a graphic example of that in 2 Chronicles 20.

There, the Bible tells us that a multitude of forces was marching against Israel.

The army of Israel was so outnumbered, they literally didn’t know what to do.

So they fasted and prayed until they received a Word from God.

And God said, “Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicle 20:15, The Amplified Bible).

Do you know what they did in response to that Word?

They put together a praise choir from the tribe of Levites, and put them out in front of the army, singing praises unto God.

That’s right. They appointed singers and praisers and sent them out in front of the army!

And when that choir began to sing, the Word tells us that “the Lord set ambushments against the men…who had come against Judah, and they were [self-]slaughtered” (verse 22).

When it was all over, not one Israelite had fallen—and not one of their enemies had escaped.

What’s more, when they came to take the spoil, they found so many cattle, goods, garments and other precious things, it took them three whole days to haul it all home.

Now, that’s victory! And it all began with praise.

Are you looking for that kind of victory today?

Then stand up and shout, “Glory!” After all, you’re in the same situation those Israelites were in.

You have an army marching against you, but Jesus has already defeated it.

He won that battle for you on Resurrection morning.

All that’s left for you to do is trust Him and begin to praise.

Sound out those praises today.

Speak them, sing them, declare them in the face of your enemy.

Once the enemy hears them, he’ll know he doesn’t even stand a chance, but we have to make the decision, as an act of our will, to follow God’s protocols and rules for spiritual warfare (see 2 Cor 10:3-6).

As in most cases when it comes to our gaining victory, we have to learn to obey and follow God’s rules.

In fact, we don’t even begin to walk in faith until we begin to walk in obedience to God’s Word.

Jeanette, I just want you to know something, and that is how much of a blessing just knowing you has been to me.

I have felt a deep spiritual connection with you from that first day we met, which happened to be on your birthday.

And those feelings have only grown stronger since then.

I knew something was different about you the first time I met you because you’re the only woman I’ve ever known who takes my breath away.

You are a wonderful inspiration in my life and just knowing you makes me want to do better, and be a better person.

The reason I thank God for you everyday is because, for me, you will always be a Godsend (a wonderful beautiful angel) and I love you!

And the reason I want to see you healed so much is because I’m just selfish enough that I want to keep you forever!

I don’t care what anybody else says about you, for me you are the BEST, and just knowing you blesses me everyday!