P.U.S.H. (Pray and Praise Until Something Happens)!
What do you do in times of trouble or spiritual warfare when the enemy is attacking you, your health, your family, your marriage and your finances? During these times, do you murmur, complain, have pity parties, temper tantrums, get angry, bitter or get depressed?
Second Corinthians 10:4 (ESV) encourages us with these words: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Strongholds will keep you captive and bound in the enemies’ camp. Prayer and praise unto the LORD God Almighty, both have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Let me share with you how the power of prayer and praise divinely destroyed strongholds of bitterness, distress, shame, and weariness for Hannah. 1 Samuel 1 – 2:1-10 (ESV).
Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children but Hannah did not have children. Peninnah, Hannah’s “rival”, “used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So, it went on year by year. As often as Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, she (Peninnah) used to provoke her.” 1 Samuel 1: 6-7 (ESV)
‘Hannah was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.” 1 Samuel 1:10 (ESV),
“The LORD remembered her and in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son and she called his name Samuel for she said, “I have asked for him from the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:19-20 (ESV)
Hannah praised the LORD with these words, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. There is none holy like the LORD; for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (ESV)
Hannah had a huge opportunity to let strongholds hold her down. Peninnah, who was just hateful to her, was a thorn in her side. In that day, a woman’s worth was directly tied to her ability to have children. There are many ways she could have turned from the Lord, but Hannah was faithful to the most faithful ONE. She knew she could bring her pain and her desires to Him and she trusted He would break every stronghold and heal every pain.
Have you seen this in your life? Can you write down ways you have brought your pain and your desires to the LORD? Can you tell others your story of God’s faithfulness, like we hear Hannah’s? If not, start with prayer and praise!
We serve a God who is the same today as He was with Hannah. Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) says, “The LORD is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
God Almighty wants to divinely destroy any and all strongholds that have you or someone special to you may feel captive and bound. When you enter the LORD’s presence with prayer and praise, He enters your troubles, trials, and tribulations with His power!
Daphne Stephens
CHM Guest Contributor
