.png)
I once came across a deeply thought-provoking statement that resonated with me and stayed with me through the years. It was a simple yet powerful phrase: “Complaining is to the devil what praise and thanksgiving is to God.”
This statement struck me like a lightning bolt, making me pause and reflect on the weight of its meaning. It suggests that while complaining can draw us towards negativity and darkness, expressing gratitude and appreciation lifts our spirits and draws us to God. The contrast presented in this statement has led me to reconsider how I express my feelings and the impact those expressions have on my life and those around me.
Take a moment to pause and reflect on that. Let it truly sink in.
Complaining is to the devil what praise and thanksgiving is to God.
Andrew Wommack says, “Praise isn’t like the caboose that just follows what happens, but it’s more like the engine of a train that makes things happen.”
Another minister says, “Praise is the big gun of faith.”
If these two statements are true and they are, then complaining is the engine that makes things happen on the negative side. Furthermore, complaining is a big gun of doubt and unbelief.
No one wants a big gun of doubt and unbelief working on their behalf – I know I don’t!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
It is the will of God for us to continually give thanks in all things. It is not the will of God for us to complain. Philippians 2:14 tells us to do everything without complaining or questioning.
This I know. Faith obtains the promises of God. Complaining hinders the promises of God.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to give the devil any weapons to use against me. That’s why I choose to do my best to not complain or murmur.
I’m not saying it’s easy. There are times when we are standing in faith, confessing the Word, and doing everything we can to grasp the promises of God, yet we still don't see the results we desire. During those moments, it can be extremely difficult to avoid complaining or at least not to dwell on the facts as we perceive them. However, this is the most crucial time to refuse to complain and to refuse to doubt.
When the opposite of what you're hoping for is right in front of you, resist the urge to speak about what you see. Instead, focus on speaking only what the Word of God says. During these times, it's important to remember to give praise. Praising in the midst of unresolved circumstances can truly confuse the enemy. That should be our stance—having done all, we stand. Stand firm and continue to praise.
Choose to give God praise and thanksgiving, regardless of what you see with your eyes or what is going on around you. There is always something to be thankful for. Always.
It was murmuring and complaining that kept the children of Israel out of their Promised Land and it is what will keep us out of ours. 1 Corinthians 10:10 says; And do not murmur, in unwarranted discontent, as some of them did—and were destroyed by the destroyer. (Amp)
Ephesians 4:27 tells us to give no place to the devil, or the destroyer as this scripture calls him.
We give him a place when we murmur and complain. We are in a pivotal time. We must do things to advance toward our promise. That being said, it is just as important that we don’t do things to hinder our blessings.
Today, make up your mind to refuse to complain. Refuse to give place to the devil. Refuse to give him something to work with. Instead, continue to declare the promise of God. Continue to praise God for His faithfulness. Continue to trust Him. As you do, may you enter into all the promises of God. For you and your family.
Kim Porter
-----------------------------------------
