Pleading Your Case
It will not bring any glory to God if you remain defeated in life. It will not exalt the Lord for that trial to get the best of you. Have we forgotten that they eyes of God search to and fro throughout the entire earth looking to show Himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts are perfect towards Him? (2 Chron 16:9) That means God is looking to take credit for overcoming the contests in your life. He is actively searching for somebody to deliver from the grip of trouble! God is welcome to have all the glory in delivering me from my trouble!
Psalm 6:5 says, “For in death there is no remembrance of thee (God): in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” King David wrote this verse in the midst of great trial. The world seemed to close in upon him and devour his strength. There appeared no way out for him. In his great affliction, David pleaded his case with God. He said, “God, there is no sense in me being defeated. You will receive no praise if I die here at the hand of these circumstances.” The word “remembrance” in this verse means “memorial or commemoration.” If we get defeated by a faulty global economy, depression, marital trouble, or sickness God will go without a testimony. God wants to make your life a living memorial of His kindness. Psalm 5:12 says, “For thou, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor will you compass him as with a shield.” God wants to surround you with favor and goodness. He wants our lives to be a living ceremony dedicated to the undeniable evidence that He has defended us.
God takes no pleasure in losing an opportunity to receive glory. David had the boldness to remind God of HIs insatiable appetite for praise. God is not selfish for desiring our praise. His desire for praise comes from His proper authority as Creator and Life Giver. Praise is due to Him and He knows that. David pleaded His case on the behalf of what God would lose, not what he personally would lose. Too often we fear circumstances because of what we will lose if the trial prevails. But there is something greater at risk than our personal lives. God’s glory and world-wide respect is at risk if we succumb to circumstances. When discussing the grim reality of the cross, Jesus said, “Father glorify Your Name.” (John 12:28) The cross didn’t defeat Jesus, He defeated the cross. Christ had been tempted not to go to the cross. He didn’t want to face being separated from God. But He said, “Father, glorify Your Name.” Jesus pleaded His case with God: “God, when You grant Me life on the other side of this cross, Your Name will fill the earth. The world will know you are my Defender. As a result, people will seek You.”
When you face trial do you say, “Father, glorify Your Name?” Do you say, “Father, what glory shall you receive if I’m defeated?” Remind God that there is nothing good in it for Him if you are destroyed. Plead your case from the point of what He will lose, not what you will lose. God knows that people will seek you when you are victorious. God has a vested interest in keeping you in victory. Remind God and plead your case and watch Him work for you!
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
