I was listening to a devotional the other day; did you get that “listening”! Don’t you just love the power of technology? You can listen instead of reading; Praise God!! When you’re busy and on the go; that is an awesome way to get some spiritual reading in.
So, like I was saying I was listening to a devotional the other day and the author was talking about three things: Power, Persistence and Prayer! These are three words that you want to incorporate into your life starting today; if you already haven’t!
The author of the devotional didn’t go into what the words mean; maybe because they are self-explanatory. But, I like to be thorough when I explain something; so I am going to go the extra mile and provide a definition for each.
Power: “ability to act or produce an effect “and “possession of control, authority, or influence over others” (www.merriamwebster.com)
Persistence: not backing down or refusing to give up (personal definition)
Prayer: “the act or practice of praying to God” (www.merriamwebster.com)
Now, that I provided a definition to give an understanding of what we are speaking about today; let’s dive in.
Have you ever heard someone say that “your words have power“? How about “what you speak determines what will happen in your life“? If you speak negatively that can bring an negative outcome; what about speaking positive? Why would people speak negative into their life or the lives of others? It’s simple, many people don’t believe that there is “power in their words”. How can God bless your situation if you are constantly speaking negatively?
Are you persistent when you pray? Do you keep praying for the same things? Or do you give up after you don’t see any movement? That was the question the author posed; “are you being persistent; when you prayer? Do you keep on asking, seeking and knocking?
Matthew 7:7 (KJV) says this “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you“.
In the book of Luke 18:1-8 (KJV) we find out about the persistent widow but I want to highlight verse 4-5: “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!” (www.biblegateway.com)
Are we going to get everything we pray for? Maybe not, but should we just give up completely and not continue to pray?
God will tell you No sometimes; that just how it’s going to be. He has the master plan for our lives; maybe we are shooting too low and He wants us to go higher. God isn’t a materialistic God! He just doesn’t operate out of cars, clothes and money! He isn’t like that. He tells us in his word that we shouldn’t concentrate on the things of this world. (Romans 12:2)
Make a list of the things that you have been praying for; which ones do you think are important to God and the plans He has for your life? Do you need those new shoes? Maybe not; especially if you have 50 other pair in your closet; you can scratch that off your list. Are you praying to go on a missions trip and cant afford to go? This is where you want to speak those powerful words, be persistent and prayer! This can stay on your list and just await the outcome.
Who are you praying for? God isn’t a selfish God; he gives freely and expects us to do the same. Are you taking the time out to pray for others and their well-being? Who is on your prayer list? Do you have a prayer list? If not; start one today!
Who in your life; can use some intercessory prayer? Intercede for those that can’t pray for themselves and use those powerful words, be persistent on their behalf. Everyone doesn’t believe in the power of prayer; so you will have to be their advocate.
You may be asking yourself; what should I pray for them? You can be simple or you can be detailed; allow the spirit to move/direct you. Example: Father God, I come to you today on behalf of my co-worker; who may be in need of your help. She doesn’t want to ask you; so I will intercede for her. Help her in all her difficult times and trying situations that may look helpless to her. Show her that you are real; and love all your children; even though they may be going down the wrong path. Guide her steps, oh Lord. In the mighty name of your son Jesus, I pray. Amen.
This kind of prayer can be applied to anyone and their situation; just change up the names and circumstances. Can you imagine how better our lives would be as a whole; if we prayed more for those around us?
Have you ever drove past a car accident and just prayed for all those involved? What about driving or walking past a homeless person; did you pray for them and their situation? And the countless children that are given up for adoption and placed in foster homes; did you pray for them?
There are so many different circumstances that require us to pray. Prayer isn’t selfish; it’s just not for us and our needs; but prayer will require us to pray for others as well.
When something happens beyond our control; people are quick to ask: “Where was God; how could He allow this to happen?”. Did you petition Him? Did you cry out and ask Him that very question? Do you have a relationship with Him? Relationship requires prayer…will you pray?
©️2018 Tamara McCarthy Enterprises (Kingdom Gals Series)
After reading this; does it change your mind? Does it make you rethink anything that you have grown accustomed to doing? Will you do anything differently going forward? Will you incorporate anything that you haven’t been doing to what you are already doing? The point here is just to give some insight, make you think; and possibly start a conversation that will expand your thought process and the thought process of those around you. Whatever this holiday season means to you; let it be filled with love, peace and kindness; that isn’t just self-centered but worldwide.
tamaramccarthyenterprises.com 