How do we get there?

Yesterday I spoke of a very discerning situation that I had over the weekend.  Yet had victory over it.  Found joy in the midst of my sorrow.  The question is how do we get there?

I surprised myself through the whole situation.  God really made me realize that I had grown.  We need these times of being able to look back at who we were and come to that startling conclusion that my I have grown.

Let's face it we all question our salvation and walk with God from time to time.  Are we really saved?  Is He here?  Am I the foolish one?

If we cannot see how far we have come, how can we walk forward with confidence?

These past years have been filled with such anguish....and growth.  And it may be a word that some are sick of hearing but the only way to get to the point of growth is communication with God/Jesus which is prayer.

Prayer is hard.  It is hard to learn and it is hard to do. 

1. Discipline. Take the time to get to seclusion each and every day.  Separate yourself from the daily world.  Yes, even your children and spouse.  Believe me they will thank you in the end.
2. Praise God. Thank God.  Even in the midst of turmoil there is a blessing you have that no one else has. (A roof over your head, money to pay bills or most bills, food on your table, health, wellness, the sun is shining, you woke up this morning)
3. Read Scripture.  Even if it is only one verse per day.  Read it.

These are the basics but what about moving forward to the next step.  Learning to pray can be invigorating yet frustrating.  The Bible teaches us that God wants us to come to Him even if we have nothing to say.  Take the step to reach out to Him.  He does not want faulty words so don't make them up.  Don't be like the hypocrites.

The Holy Spirit plays a huge role in our prayer life.  He takes what is in our heart and mind to the Lord.  He is also the one to assist in our transformation.  Let's face it.  God is all powerful and perfect.  We are not going to get our Creator to transform to us.  We need to transform to His will.  Ask the Holy Spirit for

1. Your desires to line up with God's will.
2. A trusting servants heart.
3. An obedient spirit.
4. To open your heart, mind, soul, eyes, and ears.
5. To convict you of your wrongdoing.
6. Teach you to pray.
7. Before reading Scripture that He would help you to understand and apply what you are reading to your lives.

 Meditation.  This is a huge part in prayer that we all forget.  So you have prayed.  You read Scripture.  You are still feeling so-so.  First, confidence in the Lord and joy do not come over night.  Be persistent.  But don't forget to meditate on God and what you just read.  Sit, eyes closed or lay down, eyes closed and only focus on God, an attribute, a verse...whatever makes you feel closer to Him.  Just sit or lay there.  Ask the Lord to clear your mind.  And wait through all that silence until you hear Him, feel Him....maybe it won't happen the first time.  You need to be persistent.

Obedience is key.  During that meditation time did you hear a voice telling you to forgive someone or go to someone?  Don't want to do it?  Do it anyway.  You need to be obedient to the Lord's calling even if you cannot see the good from it.  He can see it.  You will feel like dancing on air when you have completed His task.

Some great resources for daily devotionals: 
http://www.intouch.org/
http://www.jamesmacdonald.com/teaching/devotionals/
Our Daily Bread

Praise God with all your heart!

In Jesus' Love,

Mary


How awesome He is! All glory and honor be yours Almighty Father! Have a great and blessed day my brothers and sisters! Love, Mary Don't forget to post testimonies, encouragement stories, prayer request.......we are all family. Not a believer or follower. Read more about Jesus. Allow His amazing gift to free you in your life today! Not a believer or follower.  Read more about Jesus.  Allow His amazing gift to free you in your life today!