Keep GoingEsimerkki

It’s undeniable. Jesus makes it very clear that we can only go as wide as we’re willing to go deep. Could we live without prayer? Probably. But would we have access to God’s power? Or, God's presence? Unlikely. You might be reading this because you want to give up on that dream you can’t seem to shake. Maybe you’re worried about that diagnosis you just received from your doctor. Perhaps you’re not sure you’ll ever see reconciliation with your best friend or family member. It could be that life just feels heavy. Each day presents the same responsibilities, obligations, and frustrations. You don’t think you can stand the mundane much longer. Listen. Every single one of us struggles. We all want someone in our corner telling us to keep going for one thing or the other. But, it’s not a coach we need. Or, even a friend to validate us. What we’re desperate for is greater than acceptance or recognition. It’s even better than getting what we want. It’s seeing that God is for us. And, that He really does want our good. Everything around us is imploring for us to quit. Not just quit, but despair. More than despair, join the masses of people who live in fear and powerlessness. But we don’t have to live that way. When we press in, God tells us to press on. More than that, God sets us apart. And when we come to Him in prayer, He reminds us of who we are. He tells us who He is. He casts vision and makes way for an eternity, not just for a comfortable and convenient temporary. Ultimately, we realize that it’s our perspective that makes us powerful. It’s our point of view that allows us to practice perseverance. We persist not because we are capable or strong. It's not difficult to acknowledge our inadequacy and weakness. We persist because there exists something greater than us. While God never needed us, He created us because He wants us. And, He has made it possible for us to co-labor with Him. Our faithfulness aids in positioning God’s Kingdom for greatness. It’s through prayer that God both reveals this and empowers us. Our life here is on purpose and for a purpose. With faith, we can and will keep going. CONSIDER THIS  — In the last year or two, I’ve been more intentional in how I pray. Each month, I’d list out family, friends, and anything else that needed attention. Then, I’d come to God and talk with Him. In the beginning, I got frustrated. It felt like nothing in my life was improving. Honestly, I was annoyed at what felt like wasted time. I expected revelation, miracles, and answered prayers. Eventually, I did see those. But, it was in the silence that God gently reminded me of His real purpose for prayer. It was for both His provision and His presence. Both sustain me. As time has gone on, I've realized that in a lot of ways, they’re the same. It's because I have access to Him that I have everything I need.