Praise on Credit

Friday 23 June
READ: Rom. 4:17-22
MORE LESSONS: Rom. 4:20

A friend of mine recently told a story that touched me very much. He had been asking the Lord for a car and the fact that his wife was pregnant made their need more urgent, especially in case there was an emergency. After some days of intensive and fervent prayer, he heard the Lord say He had granted his request and gave him the names of two persons who would soon send the money to him. Soon after, he checked his mails but there was no message for him. He returned home disappointed and began praying again; he was concerned that the wife's EDD was a few days away and there was still no car. He kept praying.
Then the two persons called to say they had sent him some money. As he and his wife began to praise and worship the Lord, God rebuked him for praising Him only when the two men called. My friend believed his friends more than God; the car came but with a rebuke. This is unlike Father Abraham of whom the Bible records, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God: Rom. 4:20.
We believe what we see in the physical more than the spiritual promises of God. The implication is that we trust men than the Almighty God and His Word. Learn to trust and give thanks to God while you wait, that is giving thanks on credit. It is celebrating God's promise thereby provoking Heaven to action. Unknown to my friend, the money came as soon as God said it but his change of address caused delay. If you give God praise on credit, you get your results early. Learn not to stagger at God's promises but give Him glory while waiting like Father Abraham did.
One thing that helped Abraham to give thanks while waiting was his being “fully persuaded” about what he was asking God for. The new living translation says, He was fully convinced...: Rom.4:21 (NLT). When you are fully convinced that God has answered, it is easy to thank Him in advance. Never ask God for what you are not sure He will do. Ask with faith and proof your faith with thanks after the request but if you will follow Jesus’ style, give thanks before asking (John 11:41), that is praise on credit.

Prayer/Action
* Ask the Lord to forgive your unbelief, in Jesus’ name.
* Ask the Lord to bless you with a grateful and appreciative heart.
* Bless God for all you are expecting Him to do for you today, in the name of Jesus.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
Let the power of unprecedented, unexplainable help locate me this month, in the mighty name of Jesus.