In the Prayer Waiting Room

Sometimes we just have to stir ourselves us - especially when it seems that we’ve lost that loving feeling, where we just don’t feel like God is for us and that we’re in this life all on our own.  It’s in those times when more than ever - we need to pick up our Bibles and read them.  I don’t think I’ve ever read my Bible and thought that it was a waste of time - as a matter of fact, I can’t think of a time when I haven’t been encouraged after just a few minutes with God’s Word.  For those times when I’m especially down and out, turn up the Praise & Worship music - I don’t know anyone who can hear ‘Glory to God’ and keep a dark cloud over their head.  

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]  (John 16:33 AMP)

I guess one of the keys to our spiritual walk, is to keep on walking.  We can’t give up because we haven’t seen our prayers answered, remember that God’s timing is perfect.  I try to remind myself when I’m going through an especially tough time, that the enemy is going to fight me the hardest right before my blessing breakthrough.  

Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. 

(1 Peter 5:8 Voice)

God is a great listener and He wants to spend time with us.   Although we can pray at anytime, anywhere - we should daily set some time aside to show God the honor He is due.  Have you ever needed to talk to someone and they kept picking up their phone, or repeatedly got interrupted by someone or something else - you just knew you didn’t have their undivided attention?  God is a jealous God - He is the creator of the Heavens and the Earth - He is Holy and deserves our best; not our leftovers.  So in those times when we feel we’re not being heard, that’s especially when we need to stop and evaluate our God time. 

Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other. (James 4:8 Voice)

Sometimes we just need to be honest with ourselves.  No one likes to admit when they’re wrong - but one of the important parts of a relationship is being able to say you’re sorry.  I don’t know how we could walk with God without grace, since there is nothing we can do to deserve the righteousness of Christ.  Keeping my heart right with God isn’t possible unless I can sincerely confess my sins and ask for forgiveness. 

"When you stand to pray, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins also. If you do not forgive them their sins, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.” (Mark 11:25-26 NLV) 

God is for us, He will never leave us nor forsake us.  We can boldly run to the throne of grace and call on our Father in Heaven, He loves us and He sent His Son to take our place - there’s no reason to doubt your miracle isn’t on it’s way!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! (John 14:12-14 NLT)

God is Able

I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world. (Philippians 1:6 VOICE)

I feel so exuberant to be reminded that God loved me enough to send His Son not to condemn me, but to save me and not only did He give us His endless grace and mercy - He left us as new creations, created anew when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 

He loves us so much that even when we mess up, He allows us to boldly come to His throne of Grace - why, because we are to continue the great work He began in us. God loves us so much, that He wants us to know there is so much more to this life than our past, our mistakes, or what the world has to offer.

Our whole purpose here on this Earth is to finish the works Jesus began in us. One day we will stand before the throne and more than anything I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant".  I believe without a doubt, that when we live for God, we will experience God's blessings and favor - of course there will be valleys to walk through (as I've said before, those valleys, aren't from God, they are from our own doing, another person, or the enemy).  

We know that God promised us He would never leave us nor forsake us - so the valley is just another step of faith, stand strong on God's promises and you will make it through that valley! After just coming through a valley, I can personally say, there is an amazing joy knowing that my faith is stronger than before and the awesome love, mercy, and grace that I experienced is honestly euphoric!

If you are still in the midst of a valley, I want to encourage you, I want you to know that you will make it through this, that you will find yourself on the other side and you will look back and see that God is for you, He has never left you, He will always be for you and He is able!!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Sometimes it takes a bit of hindsight to see where we were and where we are now - to look back and see that we were never alone, that when it seemed impossible, God gave us a way! 

Every step that was made, every trial, every difficulty was just one step closer to where we are today - in a place where we can encourage others, bless others and continue the work that God began in us - it's all to give Him all the glory and honor.

For the Scriptures say,

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bend to me,
    and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’” (Romans 14:11 NLT)