Got victory?

There's a story in Exodus 17 where the Israelites were attacked by the nation of Amalek as they were journeying toward the promised land. So, Moses chose Joshua and told him to gather the warriors and go fight while Moses stood on top of a nearby hill and watched. But he didn't just watch, he held up his hands.

And when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17:11

So, I asked God what does this raising of the hands mean? And I heard the following words: Praise, submission and worship. To confirm, I searched Scripture for the raising of hands and here's what I found.

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6


Hear the voice of my supplications.When I cry to You, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2


Thus I will bless You while I live;I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 63:4

Let my prayer be set before You as incense,The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2


Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven. Lamentations 3:41


I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; Timothy 2:8

 Are you or someone you love being attacked by the enemy? Is there some spiritual battle going on in your life? I have several battles going on in my family. Battles for lost loved ones, battles for marriages, for finances, for health.  I'm not saying that every problem is an attack of the enemy. Some problems we have brought on ourselves, others are just a part of this fallen world. But if you've turned to God and asked for His help, chances are Satan has sent his evil forces to stop whatever good thing God is planning.

I believe in this story in Exodus 17, God has given us the formula for victory over the enemy. And that is praise, worship, and submission. Instead of complaining about your circumstances or worrying or fretting or wallowing in self-pity and depression, try thanking God in advance for answering your prayer. And then take it a step further, try praising Him for coming to your rescue. Praise Him for the victory before it ever happens. Praise Him for who He is and Praise Him because He loves you and He will answer your prayer. I'm a firm believe that there is huge power in Praise! All of heaven looks down and the angels stand in awe when one of us lowly creatures praises God for something we haven't seen happen yet.

Now, I'm not talking about a way to manipulate God into doing what you've asked Him. In fact, God's victory may be something completely different than you had in mind! I'm talking about taking a step of faith into the Spiritual realm and actually taking God at His word. I'm sure you can find Scripture after Scripture that you can apply to your specific problem.   So take those promises and praise God in the midst of your battle. And I guarantee the enemy will scatter!  And if the battle goes on too long and you get weary, enlist some friends to help you pray like Moses got Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands. You don't have to go it alone.

Here's 4 things I've noticed that happen as a result of continual praise in the midst of battle
1. Freedom from Depression.
2. Increased Faith
3. Power over the enemy
4. Victory.

Try it. What have you got to lose?