Prayer is one of the most powerful forces on earth. James 5:16 (AMPC) says, "The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." Yet I've spoken to countless people who aren't satisfied with their prayer lives. They are longing for a deeper, richer, more dynamic relationship with God, but they're just not sure how to do it.
We all have areas where we would like to see growth and change. And we all have weaknesses just as we all have strengths. But if we're trying to change in our own strength, we're just going to have frustration. Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain" (NIV). This scripture is saying that it is not just by our effort, but by the grace of God through the work of His Holy Spirit, that we change and grow in life. It doesn't really matter what our strengths or weaknesses are because we will always need God. The truth is, we're desperate for God all the time whether we feel like it or not.
Have you been praying about a situation in your life and found yourself waiting for a breakthrough? Are you wondering why the answer hasn't come yet? Do you feel as though victory is passing you by? Sometimes when we pray long and hard about a situation in our life without receiving any answers, we just learn to live with it. We go on about our business, wondering if or when God will send the answer. But God does hear those prayers, and He's working out the answers even though we may not know all the details. Our situation can change suddenly—quickly without warning!
John 10:10 has been a favorite Scripture of mine for many years now. It says, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]" (AMP). This verse opened my eyes to the truth that Jesus gave His life so I could have a good life now, here in this world, and not just when I go to heaven someday. But the question was: How can I actually have abundant life in Christ?
The Bible talks about bearing good fruit and how that is God's purpose for our lives. For example, in John 15:5 (AMP), Jesus says, "I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." And Psalm 1:3 says that the person who follows God's ways is "like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season; its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]."
"I'm so frustrated! That just aggravates me!" How often have you said or thought those words? I know I've felt this way many times. But I've learned that we can come to a point in our lives where we don't experience being aggravated and frustrated every day. In fact, aggravated and frustrated is not the condition God wants us to live in. Let me show you what I mean.
Ever found yourself swirling in a sea of self-doubt? After teaching for more than 40 years, I can safely say that countless women struggle with feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence. This was certainly true for me. But over time, God showed me how to put my confidence in Him. Let's examine together some ways you can begin to grow in your confidence. I believe that as you seek the Lord and apply these seven keys to your life, you too will begin experiencing the boldness and confidence God put inside you.
Romans 8:37 (NIV) says, "…In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." But do we really know what it means to be more than a conqueror? I know it took many years for me to learn what it means and how to live the victorious life Jesus died to give us as believers. I remember many years when I went to church faithfully every week, yet my private life was pathetic. It was so frustrating because I really loved God and was a born-again believer, but I wasn't experiencing victory over the problems in my life so that I could really live for God and help people.
One of the greatest lessons I've learned is that you can't be both selfish and happy. I know this is true through my own personal experience, but more importantly, the Bible has some things to say about the attitude we should have about "self." For example, love is not selfish. In the Amplified Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:5 (AMPC) says, …Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking.... In 1 Corinthians 15:31, the apostle Paul said, …I die daily [I face death every day and die to self] (AMPC), which basically means he was not self-seeking but instead focused on doing what God called him to do with his life.
When I was about 45 years old, God gave me an undeniable urge to confront my father, who had sexually abused me throughout my childhood. I was terrified to experience his anger again, and I did. But I also accomplished what God was leading me to do. And it helped me break free. Here's what I want to help you understand: When God gives you direction for your life, don't run from it, embrace it...no matter how scary or difficult it may seem. Let God lead you step by step, believing He loves you and that He's acting on your behalf. (See John 3:16-17 and Romans 8:28)
