Immeasurably More

How many of us can say we’re living content and joyful lives? Have we thrown in the towel and just said “it is what it is?” Whether it deals with our families, our bodies, our jobs, our relationships, or even our walks with God, have we given up? Settled? Have we allowed our life situation to become the “new normal”? I’ve heard many people say they need to accept things the way they are; if not, they’re in denial. They’re “realists.” But, where’s the hope in that?  Where’s the joy? Where’s  the victory?

Lately, God has been speaking to me about living an “immeasurably more” life. He’s been challenging me, as I pray, to expect more; to trust Him to work in ways that are way beyond my ability – immeasurably way beyond.

In spite of the lies we’ve bought into, God wants us happy. He wants us joyful. He wants us content. Yes, life can be hard, but as Lamentations 3:22-23 reads, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Is it time to take back your joy?

As you consider your life today, why not raise the bar? Why not trust and expect God to work in amazing ways; Why not choose to live immeasurably more!

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

Hi, it’s me!

I love relationships so close that when when I call, all I need to say is “Hi, it’s me.” What a great feeling to know that not only can I call just to chat, but that we’re  close enough for my voice to be recognized immediately. It makes me feel loved.
As I prayed this morning, I was lifting up a need I’ve been feeling. I found my self reminding God that, “you know me, Lord. You know how I am!” As I thought about this, tears flowed down my face. The God of the universe knows me. He knows my desires; my longings; my deepest thoughts.

How awesome is that!

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” – Jer. 31:3b

Unreasonable Prayers

In the book of 2 Kings chapter 13, while the prophet Elisha was on his death bed, a very distraught king of Israel came to see him. The Israelites were about to be attacked by a people from a country called Aram. The prophet Elisha brought him to a window facing east and had him shoot an arrow while placing his hand on the king’s hand and boldly proclaiming victory for the Israelites. He then told him to strike the ground with the arrow and the king struck the ground 3 times causing Elisha to become extremely angry! He went on to scold the king. Verse 19 reads, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”

“That’s strange”, I thought. “Was he overreacting because he was sick?” In my estimation, the king handled the situation in a very “reasonable” way. My thoughts soon changed.

Why be reasonable? Elisha expected full victory from God and settled for nothing less. He radically expected from God and if you’ve ever read about him, God radically and powerfully answered his requests.

Why don’t we pray more like Elisha? Why do We settle? Why not reach for the “unreasonable”?

Let’s start striking the ground 5-6-100 times! God’s ready to give victory…Are we expecting to receive it?

When to Pray the Most…

When do you pray the most? Is it when things are going well or when you’re having problems?

Luke 5:15-16 says, “The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.”

Isn’t it interesting that in the height of Jesus’ ministry, when things were going well — lives were being changed, people were being healed — he would withdraw to pray! Why would he pray then? Jesus knew something many of us tend to over look.

If you’re like a lot of people, you tend to pray more when things are not going well. It’s at that point we cry out to God for help, for grace, for direction.

Our prayers should rise up to God just as much when life’s going well as when it’s not! As a matter of fact, when we’re not experiencing hard times, Satan will target us the most. Our eyes are often not on God and our defenses are down. In I Corinthians 10:12 we are given this encouragement: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Begin to understand the blessing of a life of prayer. Meeting with God in prayer is much more than just reaching out for help during tough times, it’s connecting with our creator God on an intimate level and being used by him to change not only our lives, but the world around us.

When should we pray the most? When life is up and when it’s down!

Question: Why do you think we tend to pray less when things are going well?

Prepared

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
– Oswald Chambers

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph. 6:13

Do you scramble to take on the armor of God when you’re experiencing spiritual attack? During difficult times, are you frantically reaching for your Bible trying desperately to find a passage that will give you some comfort and strength? Ephesians 6 tells us to take the  armor of God on now; we’re to be spiritually prepared ahead of time for times of trial.

How do we take on the armor and prepare for the day of evil? By studying God’s word and praying daily; by continually taking steps in faith, making right choices, sharing the gospel with others and living out our eternal lives with Christ in confidence and assurance of faith.

And what are we to do during the battle? We’re to stand! That’s what Ephesians says. We can’t possibly stand if we’re reaching for whatever we need to get us through the hard times. Let’s not be caught off guard. Let’s be prepared daily!