YOU WILL SOON PRAISE GOD

Dearly Beloved, YOU WILL SOON PRAISE GOD "Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalm 66:8-12 NIV). Psalm 66 is one of the thanksgiving psalms. It is a call to praise God for His awesomeness, power, glory, wonderful deeds, sovereignty, and guidance over His people. However, the psalmist gave another reason for praising Him: He brought out His people out of difficulty. In doing this, He tested them; He make them pass through fire of life (as a raw silver or gold would) so that they would be refined; He made them suffered many hardship; He even allowed people to maltreat them. Nevertheless, at the end, He brought them to a place of abundance. Indeed, He is to be praised! God is dealing with His people the same way today. He tests them. He allows them to pass through many difficulties of life. At times, He allows people to maltreat them. However, in all these, He is with them. He promised, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2, NIV. See also Psalm 23:4; 46:4-7; 91:15; Isaiah 41:10). He will soon make them overcome all these difficulties, and they will praise Him. What are you passing through now? What is your own test of faith? Are you been maltreated presently? Are you in "the valley of the shadow of death" right now? Do not be dismayed! It is for a time. You are just passing through it. The Lord is with you. He will bring you out of it, and make you more refined and purer than gold. You will soon praise Him! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to thank God before the end of this year for a particular thing you have been looking unto Him.