With God, you can worship your way to victory
In 2007, a multi-faceted singer, songwriter, and musician had some serious medical issues. At a doctor’s office visit, it was revealed that there was a large mass on her thyroid. It had grown the size of a man’s fist. The disease, called hypothyroidism, threatened her precious voice and her life.
The singer needed immediate surgery, for the mass in her neck could cut off her ability to breathe. So she had to find a surgeon quickly. Some told her that she may never sing again. Or, there would be a slim chance that she’d ever sing with her full vocal range. But that report was not an option for her. The singer didn’t give up on her complete healing. Determinedly, she decided to put her hope in God, trusting His report that said, “Whose report will you believe?” (Isaiah 53:1).
After much research, the singer found a surgeon. She continued to pray and praise the God of miracles. She worshiped her way to victory. When the time came, the complicated surgery was performed, and there were weeks of recovery.
However, against all odds, two months later, she could sing. Within six months, she had full range of her beautiful vocal sound. A year later, her voice was better than ever before. And today, this extraordinary lady continues to use her voice to spread the word of God in the most extraordinary way.
I don’t know what you are going through today. But like this singer, God has endless ways to heal you, to bless you and to prosper you. Keep persisting. God is about to show you the exceeding greatness of His power. The struggle is temporary. God wants to use you in mightier ways. He is up to something great. For God has a way of turning around the most difficult, desperate situations for your good.
Don’t worship the problem; worship the Lord! Let’s worship our way to victory!
• Rather than complaining, say, “I’m thankful that God has a plan of victory for me.” And if God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31). Then, move ahead in faith, and soon you’ll prevail over challenges and arise even stronger.
• In place of rehashing the same old issues, declare, “Praise God that His mercies are new every morning.” Don’t live in the past. Remember, you possess a soul which has greater value than all the riches in the world. (Matthew 16:26). There are unlimited possibilities yet to be.
• Instead of worrying utter, “God is my strength and my deliverer.” God has seen every injustice. He will repair your broken heart, and rest assured He will “restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12).
• As opposed to speaking defeat and then giving up on your dreams, in gratitude, utter, “With God, I can defy the odds and succeed.” You can be victorious and achieve the impossible. Have faith and keep doing your best. For, “God will give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4).
• Instead of beating yourself up because you faced a setback or a rejection, pray and utter, “Thank you, God for being with me in this situation.” You are not alone or forgotten. God has you inscribed on the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:15-16). So get up and try again, for that rejection is just a redirection to something far better.
So love again. Laugh again. Dream again. You are closer to your goals than you think. Your tomorrow is going to be better. Expect some miracles, big and small to take place. And never, ever give up... your miracle is on its way.
A few weeks ago, my family and I took a three hour evening swallow riverboat cruise. It was a glorious night and, soon, the sun dipped behind clouds. As the moon rose, the riverboat stopped at a special spot on the river. Others on their boats and even people on paddleboards were assembled on the river, too, waiting for the swallows.
We lingered with expectation. Afterward, pointing to the south, one spectator called out, “Here they are!”
Almost at once, I witnessed one of nature’s greatest spectacles. I looked up and hundreds of thousands of tree and barn swallows were above us, flitting and swirling in an exquisitely choreographed flock. The tiny birds were mesmerizing as they hovered together up above, filling the air in huge masses.
On the loudspeaker, the riverboat captain explained, “After spending the day miles away, the swallows return each night to descend and sleep in the reeds.”
At that moment, all of the cares and worries of the week faded away, as I witnessed the spectacular natural phenomenon of nature. And I recalled the Bible verse in Matthew that says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Then, I glanced at the sky that glowed with radiant iridescence and whispered, “Thank you, God.” Sometimes, as with the swallows, in the darkest night, a light will shine from an unexpected place. So stay encouraged.
Recently, a friend of mine sent me this poem that I’d like to share with you: “I refuse to be defeated My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me As through this life I trod. I’m looking past all my circumstances To Heaven’s throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I’m resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything My eyes are on His face; The battle’s His, the victory is mine; He’ll help me win the race.”
Worship your way to victory. God is ready to bless you in unexpected ways!
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspirational commentary, home decorating and entertaining ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestselling author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticut USA.