Right Song--wrong Side
God wants us to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in the midst of our trials, which brings the highest delight to our heavenly Father.
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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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."
Sermon Outline
- The Secret to Overcoming Trials
- The Wrong Side of the Red Sea
- The Consequences of Not Praising God
- Being tested again
- Missing out on God's blessings
Key Quotes
“God wants something from all of us in our times of overwhelming troubles and testings.” — David Wilkerson
“Don't give up! Make an altar in your heart, and offer up joyous thanksgiving in the midst of your trials.” — David Wilkerson
“Will you praise me before I send help--while you're still in the midst of the battle?” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should praise God in the midst of trials, not just after the victory comes.
- Praising God in the midst of trials shows that we trust in His deliverance.
- Resting in joy and praising God in the midst of trials brings the highest delight to our heavenly Father.