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  RIGHT SONG--WRONG SIDE
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: God wants us to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in the midst
of our trials, which brings the highest delight to our heavenly Father.

Topics: "Faith in Adversity", "Thanksgiving in Trials"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:1, Psalm 50:14, Psalm 100:4, Isaiah 61:3, Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 13:15, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and
thanksgiving to God during times of testing and trials, arguing that
true faith is demonstrated by praising God even before the victory is
realized. He reflects on the Israelites' experience at the Red Sea,
noting that their praise came after the deliverance rather than during
their struggle, which missed the opportunity to strengthen their faith.
Wilkerson encourages believers to offer a 'sacrifice of thanksgiving' in
the midst of difficulties, suggesting that this attitude can lead to
spiritual breakthroughs and blessings. He cites James 1:2 to reinforce
the idea that joy in trials is a key to overcoming challenges.
Ultimately, he calls for a shift in perspective, urging believers to
sing the right song while still in the battle, as this pleases God.

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CONTENT
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When the children of Israel were going through testing, were they really
supposed to express gratitude and thanksgiving in the midst of it? When
they were surrounded and in a hopeless situation, did God really expect
them to have that kind of reaction?

Yes--absolutely! That was the secret to getting out of their difficulty.
You see, God wants something from all of us in our times of overwhelming
troubles and testings. He wants us to offer him a sacrifice of
thanksgiving in the midst of it all!

I believe James had discovered this secret when he admonished, "...count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations..." (James 1:2). He was
saying, "Don't give up! Make an altar in your heart, and offer up joyous
thanksgiving in the midst of your trials."

Of course the children of Israel did offer the Lord praise and
thanksgiving--but they did it on the wrong side of the Red Sea! Yes, the
people rejoiced all night--but God had no pleasure in it. Anybody can
shout in gratitude after the victory comes. But the question God was
putting to Israel was, "Will you praise me before I send help--while
you're still in the midst of the battle?"

I believe if Israel had rejoiced on the "trial side" of the Red Sea,
they wouldn't have had to be tested again at the waters of Marah. Had
they passed the Red Sea test, the waters at Marah wouldn't have tasted
bitter, but sweet. And Israel would have seen water springing up
everywhere in the desert, rather than having to go thirsty.

God help us to sing the right song on the testing side of trials. This
brings the highest delight to our heavenly Father.

Are you right now going through a most difficult time? Then sing!
Praise! Say to the Lord, "You can do it--you delivered me before, you
can deliver me now. I rest in joy."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/right-songwrong-side/
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