Brigette Wagner Ministries

 

 ”Praising God When You Don’t Feel Like It”

I remember as a child that deafening sound when the radio or television station would broadcast three loud sirene blasts, then announce “This is a test of the emergency broadcasting system”.  We would hear three more sirene blasts then a very long, very loud, continuous blast.  As a child, those few seconds of testing seemed like an eternity.

It’s much like that in our Christian walk.  So many times in our lives, we go through testing, which in reality is usually for a short period of time.  During the test, however, we often wonder if it will ever end!  We hear the continuous, deafening sound of the “sirene” blasting in our ears as we try to maintain our position in Christ and hold firm to His promises.

Now let me confess:  I do not enjoy going through tests! Testing means stretching, bending, changing, and yes, even crushing at times.  It means that our faith is tried and our dependence upon God is magnified so that we can see how truly vulnerable we are.   But it also means learning to “stay the course” and keep our eyes focused only upon God and His Word – not on our circumstances!

Think about the process by which juice is made.  In order for the juice to be it’s best, that fruit has to be squeezed, crushed, ground, and squeezed again in order to get all of the best of the fruit for the juice.  It’s no different for us!  God loves us so much and has such awesome plans for our lives that He has to “squeeze the juice” out of us in order to make us into what he created us to be. 

We cannot fulfill our destiny if we don’t rid ourselves of the “junk” in our lives, our personalities, and our habits.  He has to allow us to go through testing so that we can become “precious jewels for His glory”!

Romans 5:3-6 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perserverance [endurance]; and perserverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”. (NKJV)

We’ve been tested many times over the years.  With each test, we mature and grow stronger in our faith.  We’ve learned to praise God and stand on His promises.  I believe it’s important to praise God, even when you’re in the midst of your trial.  In fact, I believe that your victory is directly connected to your praise.  You see, it doesn’t take faith to believe after your miracle has been revealed!  Faith is only present when you believe before your miracle is revealed!

Maybe you’ve been in the midst of a test.  You’ve heard the sirene blasting in your ears and have wanted to give up or get angry.  Let me encourage you:  Don’t give up!  And if you’re angry, make sure your anger is properly directed.  Don’t allow the enemy to plant anger towards God.  Praise Him for your revealed miracle – even before you see it happen!

 “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”    - 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

Have you ever been misjudged?  Have you ever been discouraged by well-meaning friends or associates?  Most of us have at one time or another in our lives.  If you haven’t yet, you will sooner or later.  It’s simply a part of growing and learning to be a “God-pleaser” instead of a “man-pleaser”.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 gives an awesome account of the destiny of King David, which makes me leap with joy with thoughts for my own life.    In this account, the Lord instructs Samuel to “fill your horn with oil and go….to Jesse the Bethlehemite.  For I have provided Myself a king among his sons” (vs. 1).    Samuel obeys the Lord and goes to Jesse.  Then the process begins…..

Jesse had six sons whom he brought to Samuel.  One by one they came – beginning with the oldest.  As each son stood before Samuel, his reply was the same:  “Neither has the Lord chosen this one”.  When all six had stood before Samuel and none chosen, Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?”  To which, Jesse replied, “There remains yet the youngest….”

1 Samuel 16:12 says:  “So he sent and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and good-looking.  And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is the one!”"

David was the most unlikely one to be chosen.  Truthfully, Jesse probably never gave any thought to David because he was the youngest son (only 15 years old) and the last in line. BUT GOD…..  You see, God’s plans are higher than our plans.  He knows all the details that we do not know! 

When others look at us, they see only who they think we are.  But when God looks at us, He sees who we truly are.  He sees the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly.  Most importantly, though, He sees who we will be when His anointing is poured into our lives.

 I’m reminded of a song that Sandi Patti used to sing titled “Shepherd Boy”.  The words to that song say: 

“So when others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king. Even though your life seems filled with ordinary things. In just a moment He can touch you, and everything will change.  When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king!”

If you’ve been struggling with “people approval” and have been discouraged by what someone else has said to you.  Let me encourage you today:  Don’t allow what others think or say to hold you back from fulfilling your destiny.  Focus on God’s Word for your life!  Hold on to the promises that He has spoken into your spirit! And keep at the forefront of your mind, “When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king!”

                                                         

“WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO”

• Do you ever feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you ever wonder if God is “out to lunch” or has somehow forgotten you and your circumstances? Most of us, from time to time, wonder what’s taking God so long to answer our prayers and change our circumstances. We know that God is an “on-time God” but, quite honestly, sometimes His calendar and my schedule don’t always line up!

Dave (my husband) and I had been in full-time Youth & Music Ministry since 1992. So in 1996, when God told us that we would be moving into evangelism, we were a bit apprehensive. I mean, let’s be real … no staff position meant no steady income. Get the picture? At any rate, we knew that we needed to wait on God because His timing really is perfect! AND when we walk in His timing, He takes care of all the details!

In August of 1997, we took a vacation to Pennsylvania. We hadn’t talked much about our “revelation” in quite some time and did not discuss it during our trip. We had a great time and were able to spend quality “alone time” with God. A few days after returning to Florida, several events took place that lead us to talk about the “word” God had given us the previous year. As we talked, we knew that God had impressed on both of us during our trip that our time on staff at a local church was coming to an end. With this “revelation”, our “leap of faith” soon began, leading us straight into evangelism! Our plan was to resign our position at the church in a few months. Within days, however, God revealed that His plan was for our resignation to be complete within a few weeks. See the difference?

It wasn’t easy! It never is when you step out in faith! I didn’t feel like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders … I felt like the whole world had fallen and flattened me underneath it’s weight. Finally, the Lord led me to this verse: “Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain [maintain, nourish, protect, support] you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved [shaken].” (NKJV)

I had to quit trying to figure it all out and simply learn to trust Him! It’s amazing what God does when we get out of the way!

Maybe you’ve been feeling like God has forgotten you and that He’ll never answer your prayers. Let me encourage you today: He knows exactly where you are. He’s molding you, shaping you, and teaching you to depend solely on Him. Get into His Word and grab hold of His promises. You can trust Him!

This “single” CD invites you to sit on your Father’s lap, rest in His arms, and trust His Word that says, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). You’ll be encouraged by the message of this song and reminded that no matter what your situation, God is always with you.

This CD is available for a $5.00 donation.

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The songs on this CD were written and recorded during a time of worship. This instrumental CD brings you into the presence of God and beckons you to “dine at His table.” You will know that you have been touched by God’s Hand, His love, His mercy, and His grace.

You were created for His glory! Praise Him! Worship Him! Be blessed in His presence!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” -Psalm 103:1

This CD is available for a $15.00 donation.