Hindrance 8: Focusing on Circumstances and Symptoms
Matt 14:28-30 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell
me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter
got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came
toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid
and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" NIV
Did you notice when Peter started to sink? When he stopped
looking towards Jesus and started to look at the
circumstances surrounding him: the waves, the wind, and the
water. Don't blame him too fast. Would you have done any
better?
It is the same with us. If we concentrate rather on our
sickness and fall into self-pity we start to sink as well,
sinking into depression and doubt. But as long as we
concentrate on Jesus, our symptoms will not look as bad as
they look.
Whenever you feel dragged down by your immediate
circumstances, start to praise God. It will open unknown
doors to you and will invite God's presence in your life.
Any depression you may have, will be lifted up!
Acts 16:23-26 "After they had been severely flogged, they
were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to
guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put
them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the
stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and
singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening
to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that
the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the
prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose."
NIV
P. S. The devil cannot stand when we praise God! However our
praises invite God's Holy Spirit.
See http://www.answers2prayer.org/praise_principle.html
