"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18 KJV).

Purchasing our first church building was a real fight of faith. It was a couple of hours before we were to close the sale, and we were still several thousands of dollars short. The church members were already preparing the building for the big grand opening.

We were at a point where not only would we not close, but we would lose the $25,000 we put down on the building. As an act of my faith, I went into the middle of the auditorium on the marble floor, and I started dancing.

I said, "Father, I thank You; I praise You. I give You glory and honor in Jesus' name." I started rolling on that little floor, laughing at the devil. I was jumping up and down, acting like a nut, but praising God in advance for taking care of the whole deal. I praised God until I was out of strength. And guess what happened.

Nothing.

I went back to my little office and sat down and said, "Father, I thank and praise You for the money in Jesus' name." The devil kept saying, "You're through." He had me down, and he was kicking me while I was down. But the Word says to have joy, so I had joy.

The telephone rang. It was a gentleman whom I barely knew. He said he was driving down the highway, and the Lord spoke to him and said to bring me a blank check. God was speaking to him while I was in that auditorium operating in the joy of the Lord. About ten minutes later, he arrived at the church with a signed corporate blank check. He put it in my hand and left.

The church's corporate secretary and I arrived at the closing. We were so cool. The real estate salesman knew we didn't have the money the day before. He said, "Do you have the money?" We said, "Certainly. What do you mean?" Another guy said, "Well, you guys really came through, didn't you?" We said, "Oh yes, God always provides."

When you have joy in the midst of your trials, you see results. Act like He's already done whatever you need Him to do. Don't be moved by the circumstances. Trust God by giving Him praise at all times. You'll have the sweet experience of victory.

Scripture References: Romans 5:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:12

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