God gave me a prophetic word through my anointed Aunt Mary, and I have held onto that word. In the last blog, I spoke about speaking things in the now and holding onto the word until it comes into the present. One way to bring something into the present is prayer and thanksgiving. I posted on Facebook about how I prayed for God to put a check into my spirit each time I say something out of line. Be careful what you pray for because you will receive just that. For example, I was getting ready to complain to someone about what happened to me during the week, and before I could say anything, a phrase came to me from Joyce Meyers: “You complain, you remain. You praise, you raise”. I got back in line quick and said okay, God, I hear you!
Most believers have heard the story of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years from Exodus 16, Numbers 11, and Numbers 14. What stood out to me the most was their complaining. They died in the wilderness without receiving the promise. We hold up our release through complaining. I told God to thank you for correcting me because I do not want to remain in this state.
What does the word of God say about complaining?
Philippians 2:14-5 4 Do everything without complaining or arguing 15 so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people, you shine like lights in a dark world.
I Thessalonians 5:16–17 NIV: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Refuse to stay in chains any longer by giving God thanks instead of complaining. Paul and Silas in Acts 16 were praying and singing praises to God while in prison, causing the jail to shake and the chains to break. They did what 1 Thessalonians 5 said. They did the will of God, and God worked on their behalf. Glory to God!
Example 1: You do not like your boss or president.
Instead of complaining, say, “Lord I thank you for changing the heart of our leader. You said the king’s heart is in the hands of God; you turn it wherever you will (Proverbs 21:1)”. God deals with the judgment by replacing that person if they do not repent.
Example 2: You do not like your job.
Instead of saying, “I can’t wait to leave this job,” say, “I am thankful to have a place to work until God moves me to another assignment.”
Example 3: You are experiencing sickness or illness.
Instead of complaining about it, say, “I bless the Lord. I do not forget His benefits. He heals all my sickness and forgives all my sins.” (Psalm 103).
Remember, our time is now, and God shows us how through prayer and thanksgiving. So made to stay out of prison, to break free!
The one who complains stays in chains!
Prayer: God, I thank you for your word that sets me free from any chains! God, I repent for complaining about situations in my life; that is not your will for me. You told me to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything, give thanks for this is your will for me. God, I want to make your choice. I was hoping you could help me by continuing to put a check on my spirit when I am about to say something that will keep me in bondage. I do not want to die like the people in the wilderness without getting what is promised to me by complaining. I choose today to give thanks in every situation by speaking the promise instead of the problem. I give you thanks in advance for my freedom in Jesus’ name! Amen.
This is such a good word of correction as I was most definitely in need of reading and digesting this word regarding complaining for myself. I’ve been going through a lot on my job and it’s put me in a really bad position spiritually and mentally. I love the examples you gave especially 1 and 3. May God correct us all when we are out of line and out of his will.
Glory To God! I am glad you were inspired! I am learning as well as God gives it to me. We are rising above our circumstance through prayer and Thanksgiving!