March 2010

“Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.  Keep on looking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.”  You parents, if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?  Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?  Of course not!  If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”  (Matthew 7:7-11)

Persistence.  It’s that dogged, determined attitude that helps us achieve our goals and overcome adversity.  It’s a persevering, unwavering will to get what you need – and not stop until you do.  Prayer plus persistence removes obstacles, opens doors, enlightens dull minds, and changes circumstances.  When you pray persistently, you have great power.

The apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing.  That means continually, without stopping, and with perseverance!  When we pray alongside of the Father’s will, our prayers cannot help but be answered affirmatively.

How many times have you been presented with an opportunity to pray, and watched God work miraculously because men and women were down on their knees persistently bringing this need before their Heavenly Father?  If we only kept better track of all the prayers that God has answered!  We would be tremendously blessed by the knowledge and our confidence and faith would be strengthened more than we can know.

Where are you right now in your life?  A dead-end job?  A difficult relationship?  A disappointing friendship?  A distressing problem?  A devastating piece of news?  Wherever you are – God is.  And he longs to hear your heart’s cry to him for help and comfort.  Do you feel like you’re not getting an answer?  Pray persistently.  Do you feel empty and alone?  Reach out persistently for help.  Jesus is there for you.

Jesus promised that we would unleash the power of heaven when we pray.  Do we believe it?  Do you believe that today??  Listen to his words:

“The truth is, 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 because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father.  Yes, ask anything in my name and I will do it!”

Powerful words from a powerful God to his power-infused people – you and me! We need only to grasp and believe these truths and begin to employ them in our lives. What mountain will God move today because of your faith and your persistent prayer (Matt. 17:20-21)?? I can’t wait to hear about it!

Love,

Lisa