When Jerry Graham speaks, I listen.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5)

What is the prayer that changes everything?
What happens when I praise God in tough times?
How I can develop the habit of praising God when things seem to fall apart?

We’ve heard it said, “When it rains it pours.” But what about when the sun is shining? Can it still flood? Well it did in my house on Monday January 21. I had a good start to my day, getting up before 5 AM. Shortly after 10 AM, I went to exercise on my home treadmill. Afterwards, I went to take a shower and discovered we had no water. So I ran to the basement to check out why. To my horror, water was spouting out from our water filter system like a fountain in a pond. There was about an inch of water already on the floor in that tiny room seeping into the carpets in adjacent rooms.

I turned off the main water knob and called Jon Monroe, who was working in my home, for help. My wife was out and I ended up spending the rest of that work day in damage control mode. Fortunately, I was able to find a carpet expert to come over in less than 2 hours to save our carpets. Jon was surprised that I didn’t get more upset. But what could I do? What would Jesus do (WWJD)?

I remembered Stormie Omartian’s book titled “The Prayer That Changes Everything!” In that, she teaches that praise is the prayer that changes everything. I knew that God wanted me to still praise Him. Instead of focusing on my problem, I began thanking God for His goodness. I thanked Him that I was home to discover the problem before our entire basement flooded. I thanked Him that Jon was there to help. I thanked Him for the quick help from the carpet expert. Somehow, I knew God was going to use this to reveal His glory.

By 4 PM, I was exhausted and laid down for a 2 hour nap. When I got up at 6:05 PM, I told God I needed encouragement. When I came downstairs, Julia was not home yet, so I went to my desk intending to journal. For some reason, I decided to check if I had any voice messages. To my surprise, I had two very encouraging voice messages from friends left while I was sleeping.

The first voice message from Tim Shields was a double blessing – a referral to a significant web prospect along with an invitation to soon start webinars (online seminars) to teach Internet marketing to a large network of churches. The other call from Jack Stagman invited me to participate in conference call at 6:30 PM which I did. I gleaned several valuable lessons about network marketing from that.

At 10 AM the next morning, I had my weekly coaching call with Jerry Graham. He has been my greatest encourager for the past several months. Talking to this very experienced life coach often makes me feel like a space shuttle being launched into space. Well this time, Jerry told me he wanted me to participate in a webinar late that evening by Renegade University and social marketing. That was an incredible blessing. More about that tomorrow.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God who changes everything. One day in Your courts is like a thousand elsewhere. I am so humbled to know You personally and to have the awesome privilege to dwell in Your presence. Thank You that we have running water in our home. Thank You that I have a home to flood. To You be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Jesus, You rock as my Rock! Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
The Prayer That Changes Everything®: The Hidden Power of Praising God – be sure to read the reviews

Blessings to overcome adversity through praise!