When things are going well, it is easy to shower God with praise and more devoted time studying the Bible. However, when things aren't working out, many have a hard time loving Him. Our faith dwindles and it becomes difficult to trust Him.
And yet, we are told to thank Him in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are called to trust Him especially when things go wrong hence His instruction to cast our burdens unto Him (1 Peter 5:7).
But how? How does one, in fact, trust God when things have gone wrong? Especially someone who once had a good rapport with Him?
It all boils down to a choice each of us has to make. A choice to trust and believe in Him through the good times and the bad. Joshua was frustrated when his army went into the City of Ai and was defeated, leaving 2000 of them dead. Keep in mind the Lord had told him in Joshua 1:5 - Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you (GNT).
So how did Joshua react to God when things went wrong?
He went to the Lord and sought understanding on what happened. He went in humility, having torn his clothes and sprinkled ashes upon himself - a sign of deep sadness among his people. He chose to look to God instead of walking away from Him.
Just as Joshua did not abandon his God when things went wrong, so also did God not abandon him. The Lord revealed what caused the defeat - the disobedience of one man, Achan. He'd taken things from Jericho though the Lord commanded the Israelites to leave Jericho with no plunder for themselves.
Following Joshua's example, we can't go before the Creator prideful or even angry but instead with deference recognizing He is the God above all gods. We must also keep in mind that the reason Joshua could continue to walk with the Lord was because God had a track record with him. Joshua had seen God do the incredible and he respected that. He knew that God was still to be trusted despite the disappointing defeat.
Each of us can make a similar choice to trust God in the heat of our disappointment by not abandoning Him. Instead we must go right back to Him who has promised to never abandon us, a commitment that He's made to all His children. After all He promised to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
It isn't easy but we must all remember our Jericho Moments - those times where God showed up and showed out on our behalf. We must also focus our gaze on God even when things have not happened the way we expected or prayed for. That is the time to not walk away from Him. It is the time to approach Him with praise, acknowledging that He is perfect and we are not. We can then pray for divine understanding and guidance.
May Joshua's experience remind us that we can still trust God when things go wrong. Joshua did just that and after obeying God, him and his army completely destroyed the City of Ai. They went on from there to witness many more of God's miracles. All because they placed themselves at God's mercy, despite a big defeat and trusted Him to be the way to bring redemption and victory.
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CLOSING PRAYER
God, You have done it again and we are thankful! Thank You for favoring us with the opportunity to gather in honor of You. We pray that our praises and intercession for others have been pleasing to You. We pray that You will remember us for doing such and that Your mercy will temper judgment, bringing blessings.
We claim the blood of the Lamb and call on You for protection and grace. Let us experience more of You this weekend and return next week refreshed and renewed in You, Lord.
Take all the glory and the praise for what You've done before, what You've done today, and what You will do in the future.
IJN, Amen.
God bless you guys and have a wonderful weekend!
From C - Amen amen Glory be to the one who remains the same throughout the ages our God is unchanging, our constant strength and shield, Lord we praise and thank You for renewing us and our faiths. We praise your wonderful name Hallelujah Somandla wena uMusa, Siyabonga uJesu wam. Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
We've all seen those movies where the rich girl is super popular as long as she has money and provides access to the best things of life for her circle of friends.
When her situation does a 180°, she loses her friends and becomes a social pariah. That's when she learns what true friendship is as well as who she can actually trust.
As Christians, none of us should be the fair-weather friends who walk away when the money stops flowing.
Similarly, we shouldn't be the type of people who only trust God when things are good but walk away from Him when things go wrong.
It's not easy but we must choose to not be fickle with God and stick to that position. We must be the ones who ride or die with Him, come good or bad. We must continue to trust Him, knowing that even when things do happen as we expect He still has good plans for us. That He remains trustworthy.
Let us pray -
God, there have been times when I have failed to stick with You. Times when life has dealt a hard blow or the choices I made led to disappointments. Yet, You never abandoned me and I want to thank You. Forgive me for all the moments I turned my back to You. I repent.
Thank You for loving me despite my failures and thank You for Your restorative grace which I claim right now, IJMN, Amen. I commit to following the ways of Joshua to look to You even in the periods of pain. Joseph didn't let You go even in the midst of his slavery and imprisonment. David was depressed because his family and others had been captured at Ziklag, but he found strength in You and got guidance. I fix my face like flint this day, knowing that no matter what comes, I can trust You, the true God, to see me through, IJN, Amen!
Lord, I pray for people to drink from Your fountain of life. For whosoever drinks shall never thirst again. May people drink from Your fountain of joy. Your fountain of healing. Your fountain of provision. Your fountain of wisdom and much more.
You are this and so much more. May Your people drink from You and never ever thirst again.
IJN, Amen.
From BI - Lord, I pray my fellow peppers waiting on You receive divine visitation right now. I pray You Lord will show up as El Shaddai in their lives. I pray they will receive their answers and carry their evidence all to Your glory IJMN Amen.
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
Father, You are the Creator of Heaven and Earth. You control the nations and all things are subject to Your authority.
Lord, Your word states in Psalm 119:38 - Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.
God, the accuser doesn't want Your people, those who fear You, to experience Your promises. In fact, the devil wants Your children to lose sight of Your promises which are their great inheritances.
However, I thank You that Your word makes it clear that Your purpose cannot be thwarted and that Your word shall accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. As such, what the devil intends is irrelevant.
Therefore, I pray for those who are waiting on You to receive the promises that are their inheritance. Great King, You who remembered Your Holy promise to Abraham, Your servant. Remember Your promises to those who fear You. Those who hold onto Your garment waiting for You to bless them before they let go.
For those who can no longer see the possibility of receiving what is their right, I decree that the scales fall and the spirit of deception lift from them now, IJMN, Amen. I pray they reconnect with Your word for them and say Amen as they claim what is theirs in You. Reassure Your people of Your promises just as You have consistently done for me. For You are the God of comfort, compassion and all good things, IJN, Amen.
From BI- Lord, I Lift into your capable hands victims of xesual assault. Lord, heal them in mind, body and spirit. Help them to see themselves the way You see them. Give them the ability to see the abundant and satisfying life that Jesus wants them to have through Him. Lord, Grant them comfort as they uncover and confront pain and trauma. Teach them to cast all their cares until You. I pray that the Light of God pierces the darkness in their lives and fills them with hope and peace. I pray perpetrators of xesual assaults are brought to justice and that they experience a renewing of their minds. Lord, I pray Your children come together to create a world free of xesual assault and harassment IJMN Amen.
Job 13:15 - Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Father, help Your children to stick with You even in the turbulent seasons. Lord, provide grace that Your people will remember what You've done and who You are. That even when things don't go well, You are not to be abandoned just as You never abandon Your own. IJMN Amen.
PRAYER TIME
We don't pray for others enough and yet we are called to do so in 1 Timothy 2:1.
So, let's rectify that by interceding on behalf of other people. You can pray for those you know, strangers, nations, institutions or focus on troubling issues affecting the world.
Whatever you do, focus on the needs of others.
Daddy God, You never fail.
Thank You for being the Steadfast God.
You are Indefatigable. The Mighty Warrior who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
You are He who cannot stumble. The One before whom the mountains tremble and knees melt.
Lord, I praise You!
From C - Lord I thank you for the lives you’ve put around me, people who’ve testified and will one day too testify of your goodness. Abba I want to uplift into your hands all of them, my neighbors, as well as Ms C as she battles infertility and lipoedema, I pray that you Lord bring that long awaited and desires baby, inorganic over Mimi and her family with the passing of her grandpa, I pray over Ms Bee and Nf their dissertation journey that you bless them with victory during this special exam season. Over the people in my lab as we begin a new journey, I pray over Tess and her family that you free her father from depression and suicidal ideation Lord, that you help her go back to school and complete her studies. Lord over every prayer here lifted, every pepper’s family be God above all in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amennnn
From BI - Thank You Lord for being my strength when I am weak.
Thank You Lord for being my joy when I am sad.
Thank You Lord for being my hope when i am in despair.
Thank You for never turning Your love away from me.
Thank You for the roof over my head. Thank You for waking me up and smiling on me.
You are an everlasting source of comfort.
Thank You the Great I Am, my Father, my creator, my love.
Father, I thank You for Your mercy upon my life and the lives of my loved ones.
Glory be to Your Holy Name for all You've done!
From PBS - Dear Lord, You are the only God of the breakthrough! Lord, please remove every mountain to be cast out and destroyed. May Your Power continue to break through and set the captives free. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Let the blind now see, let the deaf now hear, let the door knocks now be answered—to Your Glory. Every need that’s been prayed for and faith stood upon to be released to receive the answers—financial, healing, security, protection, love, favor, wisdom, understanding, joy, peace, comfort, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, wholeness, discernment, justice, provisions, etc—breakthrough and rain down on Your children right now, in Jesus Name, amen!
Lord, I thank You for the miracles I saw You do in the lives of people this week.
Thank You for showing them great favor before men. I know they only experienced that because they have favor before You.
You are great, God!
Psalm 119:140 - Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say.
Lord thank You for the privilege of Your eternal word. It is a precious treasure. Thank You for it redeems and sanctifies.
Hallelujah!!
From BI - Thank You Lord for Your love, compassion, forgiveness and so much more. Thank You for all the times You said Yes and all the times You said No. Everything You do is for my good and I thank You. You are my pain-taker, chain-breaker and healer. Thank You Abba for this new month and for keeping me safe. Only You are worthy of all praise.
PRAISE TIME
Are you going through a tough time right now? I want to invite you to praise God wholeheartedly.
Our praise is a weapon that transforms our situations because it pleases and glorifies God.
Chop chop, folks. We've only got 25 minutes to praise Him together.
From C - God who heals!
Abba father we pray that you bring healing and cure to the sick, doctor of all doctors Lord just as you healed the paraplegic man, the blind and the leprous, revived Tabitha and cured the woman who bled for years. Ivory’s that you bring forth healing and comfort to all the sick and burdened. IJN Amen
From C - Psalm 90:1, NIV
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”
Psalm 90:1, NIV
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.”
Truly there’s nothing that can separate us from the everlasting love of God!
Love the overflows
From C - What a privilege it is to trust fully in the Lord! Guys I’m in awe of His goodness and mercies. So much is happening but I’m laying at His feet because no one else can save me, give me rest and guide me. See our God is constant through all things He remains faithful
Psalms 106:1-2 NIV
“Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise?”
Thank You Abba father for renewing us daily, for your grace and mercy. Lord thank You for another day of P&P, bless us with Your presence in this place. Lord let us come out of this place transformed, revived and renewed. Our souls thirst for You and we pray that in this place we will be restored, in Jesus mighty name we pray Amen!
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From BI - Thank You Abba Father for ushering me into my supernatural September. I thank You for all You have done for me, all You are doing and all You are going to do in my life. Thank You Lord for Your mercy and grace which propels my life. I am nothing without You. Thank You for choosing to love me beyond measures. I love You my God and King. Hallowed be Your Holy Name forever in Jesus Name Amen.
Thank you for today’s word sis @FFJ. Thank God our Heavenly Father is always available. When we disobey and turn away from Him, He corrects and disciplines us with love. May we never take His love for granted. May God remove all of man and fill us with all of Him. May our Hope and trust be in Him always. I pray a fresh zeal, zest, hunger, burning and consecration for God rest upon us IJMN Amen.
From M22 - Happy new month Prayer family!!!!
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. Today's word is something I have learnt to do in the month of August. To actually sit down and be transparent with God about everything. If things went wrong, it could have been due to my disobedience or wrong timing. God is intentional in all he does for us and when things go wrong, we should humbly ask him how we went wrong and how can do better like Joshua did.
The first 8 months of the year were tough, I made certain decisions thinking God would be okay with it and when things didn't work out, I struggled mentally instead of asking God how I did wrong. I thank him for never giving up on me and I know he knows what's best for me if certain doors don't open for me.
I pray God will give us the humility to turn to him in our challenges and he will help us navigate life no matter how tough it gets. IJMN amen.
From SO - It's the only way when you're in pain. Hope and recounting THE ALMIGHTY'S promises is what brings about the peace that surpasses all understanding and I love Victoria Oreneze.
From ML - Love this! I’ve learned this so much this year. Trusting God even when you are in pain. It’s helped so much.
Every Praise & Pray (for others), I lift an altar call, asking people to give their lives to Jesus Christ. I do this because I'm learning that many of us have not been introduced to this concept, some believing that it refers to a baptism or Christening. However, giving one's life to Jesus is an act of commitment and submission whereby you choose to make Jesus, and therefore, His Father - God, the only authority over your life.
If you haven't considered submitting to the authority of the Lord, please permit me to say - today is the day. The Lord wants you to choose Him. Please tell the Lord you want Him. Ask Him to change you for His purpose and your good.
So many of us are afraid of choosing the Lord and worry about the consequences. You don't want to give up the shows, the websites, the music, the way you speak, etc. However, have you considered the consequences of not choosing Him?
Maybe you think this message doesn't apply to you because you were born a Christian. You regularly go to church. You don't lie or steal and believe you are a good person.
That was me a few years ago and none of that stood in the way when satan tried to completely destroy me. I had to cry out and submit to Christ in order for Heaven itself to wrestle me out of the devil's clutches. This might sound dramatic but believe me, it was. I have shared more than one testimony of how the devil tried to kill me but for the gracious hand of God upon my life. I know what it means to be a Christian versus what it means to be a born-again Christian, and I pray you will choose to be the latter.
I pray that today will be the day you truly choose Jesus and start to walk with God's hand firmly upon you for your good. The day you decide to be intentional in developing a tight relationship with Him. Come back to your Creator. He wants you back. And if you want the sort of relationship where God speaks to you and grants unimaginable access to His grace, mercy, power and more, please say the following prayer. But, only if you mean it.
Lord Jesus I am a sinner. I confess my sins right now to you. And I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you came , you died, your rose again, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life, today I accept the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me. I will never be the same again. In Jesus's name, Amen.
God bless you!
How could I describe
A God that's indescribable
How could I explain
A love that's unimaginable
I'm at a loss for words
oh, oh, oh
My heart sings
oh, oh, oh