Prayer & the Promise
Most of the time, we feel the urge to move, have the momentum to start but lack the courage to continue. Often measuring ourselves up to society standards of what success and preparation for opportunities look like. The reality is our greatest value of success is found in prayer and God’s promise for our lives. When processing failure, many seek out what they lack materialistically. Our super drive comes from within. The intrinsic motivators bring sustainable results where extrinsic motivators will result in instant gratification.
Previously my push came from simply starting at the point and place of where I was. Acceptance has a way of catapulting us to the place where resistance no longer exists and failure is not optional. Acceptance comes when we prioritize prayer, know and keep sight of the promise of God for our lives. Many know the importance of prayer but lack the understanding of why it is so necessary. It was the place of prayer that I discovered my true identity. I was so torn between who I was and what I wanted to do because I often sought the approval of others. Many times when we find ourselves upset or angry about something, we mumble under our breath or say how we really feel in our heart. The thought then creeps to our mind and we get lost in our own head. This started a horrible overthinking, analytical problem for my own growth. However, after I began accepting the thoughts that I am NOT perfect and that life would not be how I dreamed it, things got better. I found myself free in prayer. Not thinking about what I would say in prayer but simply releasing my true feelings. That release gave me great comfortability in speaking up for myself. Prayer became my priority because not only was it my safety net but it was also my Judge free zone.
Once we become accepting of our own faults and flaws, we remove the barriers that try to keep us in a box. that what will be will only come as an indicator of what was started. Sometimes the anticipation of the end of a matter can be the very cause that creates fear which keeps us from finishing. However, today you have to prioritize prayer and go with the promise God has outlined for your life. Don’t overcomplicate it, prayer is the place of exchange for your worry, concern, question, and trouble to take refuge, gain strength and comfort in knowing that all will be well.
He teaches us how to pray: Luke 11:1-4 “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Forever, Amen
Reminders of his promises to us:
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 (NJKV)
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14 (ESV)
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psalm 145:9 (KJV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the
flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36 (KJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 (NKJV)
Today's inspiration is... "Embrace your Growth. Continue to move forward in prayer with the assurance that God's promise in the process is still yes and Amen." (ShaySpeaks)!