Tag: power of praise

Text: “…By the grace of God, I am what I am…” – 1 Corinthians 15:10

Henry O. Adelegan

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the immeasurable power of God’s grace in our lives. The grace of God is what qualifies the unqualified, lifts the downtrodden to places of honor, and turns ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies. When grace steps in, limitations are removed, and destinies are rewritten. Moses, despite his troubled past (Exodus 2:11-15), became a great leader when grace found him (Isaiah 60:15). Esther, a simple Jewish girl, was chosen to be queen in a foreign land because of divine grace. Joseph, though betrayed by his own brothers and imprisoned unjustly, rose to become Egypt’s Prime Minister without any formal qualification in governance (Genesis 41:40-44).

Grace is the divine advantage that changes lives. It breaks the cycle of suffering, strengthens the weak, restores broken relationships, and provides hope in times of despair. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us, “The God of all grace, who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, shall make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Without grace, human efforts amount to nothing. It is grace that makes the difference between struggle and success. Solomon, the wisest king, understood this when he declared in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all.” This “time and chance” is the grace of God in action.

When God’s grace is upon you, no obstacle can hinder your progress. His grace enables you to achieve what seems impossible and elevates you beyond human limitations. Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” This underscores the futility of human efforts without divine grace. It is grace that turns the rejected into the celebrated, transforms failures into testimonies, and brings restoration where there was loss. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”When you prioritize God, His grace will manifest in your life, turning struggles into triumphs.

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No matter what you are facing today—whether personal challenges, financial struggles, or national uncertainties—be encouraged. The grace of God will rewrite your story. It will lift you from obscurity to prominence and restore all that has been lost. Saul was a man with a dark past. He persecuted the early church with zeal until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. That divine encounter changed his identity from Saul the persecutor to Paul the Apostle (Acts 9:1-19). Paul later declared in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that his success was not by his own merit but by the grace of God.

In the same way, God’s grace can locate you, transform your life, and position you for greatness. I declare that the grace of God will speak for you in every area of your life. Nigeria will rise again. Our leaders will receive divine wisdom to govern rightly, and the nation’s past glory will be restored in the name of Jesus Christ.

During this season of Lent, let us surrender ourselves fully to God’s grace. Seek His forgiveness, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and commit to walking in His ways. Forget past failures, remain steadfast in your faith, and press forward toward God’s purpose for your life. As you do, His grace will change the course of your life, elevate you to new heights, and make you a living testimony of His goodness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Prayer: Oh Lord, let Your grace change the game of my life for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Text: Acts 16:25-26 ……Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God ……….. doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose..

By Henry Adelegan

As we journey through Lent—a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates at sundown on Holy Thursday  , we are invited to reflect deeply on our spiritual lives and our relationship with God. This period calls for introspection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to our faith.

The story of Paul and Silas, as recounted in Acts 16:25-26, offers profound insights into the power of praise during trying times. Despite being unjustly imprisoned, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their unwavering faith amidst adversity led to a miraculous earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations, opened all doors, and loosened everyone’s chains. This narrative underscores a pivotal truth: praise is a powerful spiritual practice that can lead to liberation and transformation. It serves as a gateway to restoration, enabling believers to rise above their circumstances and experience divine intervention.

In our contemporary lives, this principle remains relevant. When faced with challenges—be it personal struggles, societal injustices, or global crises—shifting our focus from the problem to the Provider through praise can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Such an attitude not only uplifts our spirits but also aligns us with a higher perspective, enabling us to navigate difficulties with grace and hope.

Moreover, the act of praising amidst adversity serves as a testament to others. In the case of Paul and Silas, their fellow prisoners listened to their hymns, witnessing firsthand the power of unwavering faith. Our expressions of praise can similarly inspire and influence those around us, fostering a ripple effect of faith and resilience. 

During Lent, while certain expressions of joy, such as the word “Alleluia,” are traditionally set aside to foster a spirit of penitence  , the essence of praise remains integral to our spiritual discipline. Praise, in this context, is not merely about outward expressions but about cultivating a heart posture that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in challenging times.

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Beloved in Christ,  Praise is a command by God to every living being (Psalm 150:6). Praise is not focussing on happenings, praise is spotlighting God’s faithfulness and relying on the efficacy of the Scriptures. Praise is concentrating on the integrity of God and the insight received about His integrity. The Psalmist in Psalm 22:3 says that “God inhabits the praises of His people”. When God sees genuine praises, He brings heaven down and when heaven comes down, all natural powers, laws and restrictions are suspended. 

St. Francis of Assisi exemplified this attitude by seeking to identify completely with God, offering the most complete praise possible through both actions and a deep, mystical connection with the Divine.  Incorporating praise into our Lenten journey aligns us with this tradition, preparing us for the promise of reclamation, restoration, and redemption that Easter heralds. It transforms our focus from our struggles to God’s enduring mercy and love. 

As we continue through this sacred season, let us embrace praise as a pathway to spiritual renewal. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace, leading us toward full restoration and a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. Please note that whatever you are going through at such a time cannot withstand the praise. When you praise God, mindless of whatever you are passing through, there shall be divine intervention and your challenges will turn into testimonies in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, accept my sacrifice of praise and guide me toward spiritual renewal and awesome testimonies during this Lenten season in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.