Our Heavenly Prize

You go everywhere else but directly to me.

You look to other things to fix you rather than choosing to come sit before Me.

You expect something else to release and heal you rather than seeking my Almighty Power. I am your only Source. It is I who can spring you from the shackles clamped onto your soul.

You do not have, because you do not ask (James 4:2).

Is this because you want not?

Do you enjoy being stuck?
Tied?
Pulled?
Over-run?
Manipulated?
Exhausted?
Destroyed?
Weak?

I am your refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Do you not believe my Word?

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

So, why do you give up?

Persist in your prayers. Fight to find times of quiet throughout your day to talk with me. I want to hear from you. I want to help you.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, New International Version).

I am your Father! I can give you relief but you have to trust me. Do not doubt my Sovereignty.

I hear your prayers and I will answer! Do not doubt but have faith that what you ask for, will be given (Matthew 7:7).

Do you not realize the enemy is at work; you allow him to dig in deeper. What started out as small and innocent has now turned into a sizable mess. From it, all sorts of manifestations have taken root. You can overcome in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5, New Living Translation).

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16, NIV).

I can see by your prayers what really matters to you!

This trouble that holds you captive, however, is not one that you often come to me with. It is only when you find yourself in the pit that you utter a cry of help.

I urge you to cry out often; this will not go away on its own. I am teaching you to depend on me. I am revealing new things as you agonize over your displeasing offenses.

But, do remember this, “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, NIV).

You will surely forget your
trouble,
recalling it only as waters
gone by.
Life will be brighter than
noonday,
and darkness will become
like morning.
You will be secure, because
there is hope;
you will look about you and
take your rest in safety (Job 11:16-18, NIV).

Persist in your prayers. Trust me. I will set you free! I have already set you free!!

*****

Thank you, Jesus, for this timely word!

Thank you, Dr. Anthony George (First Baptist Atlanta) for your message, “Persisting in Prayer.”