One of our faithful church members is a gentleman named Freddie Lamb. Freddie always has a smile on his face; he is always full of faith and joy. I see him at church all the time. Back in the 1990’s, Freddie was driving on the freeway and had a flat tire, so he pulled off to the shoulder to change it. While he was standing at his trunk about to get the spare tire out, a drunk driver swerved onto the shoulder and ran right into him crushing both of his legs. As a result, both legs were amputated right above the knees.

My parents went to visit Freddie in the hospital when this happened. They didn’t really know what to expect. Most people would be very discouraged, maybe even a little depressed. But when my parents walked into that hospital room, Freddie still had a smile on his face. He wasn’t bitter or complaining; he was still full of joy. His legs were all bandaged where they had been amputated. Lying on that bed, he lifted them up toward the heavens, just stubs now, and said to my parents, “Look, Pastors, I can still give God praise.” Today, Freddie not only walks, but he can run with his new legs. That setback didn’t stop him. He still goes all over telling people his story. He is a mighty man of faith and courage.

Here is what I’ve learned: Nothing can keep a praiser down! You may have some setbacks. You may have hit some tough times. But like Freddie, if you will continue to offer up a sacrifice of praise, then God will take what the enemy meant to be a stumbling block and turn it into a stepping stone.

Today, you may be up against some big obstacles. You may have some big challenges coming your way. But now is not the time to get discouraged. Now is not the time to start complaining. Now more than ever, you need to turn up your praise. Start thanking God in greater ways for His goodness. Yes, Freddie lost his legs, but he was thanking God that he didn’t lose his life. You may have lost a battle, but you can thank God that you didn’t lose the war. You may be down, but you can thank God that you’re coming back up! Your plans may not have worked out, but you can thank God He has something better in store!

Don’t settle where you are; don’t settle for complacency. Instead, dig in your heels and turn up the praise. When you praise, chains are broken. When you praise, new doors will open. When you praise, the angels go to work. When you praise, victory is coming your way! Keep praising, keep believing, keep hoping and keep moving forward in faith knowing that God has great things in store for your future!

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11, NKJV).