A few days ago, I wrote a post entitled P.U.S.H. — Pray until something happens. In that post, I encouraged you all to experience a mindset shift by praying for your enemies — both real and perceived. As I grow in my faith, I’m learning to fervently pray for those whose goal may be to destroy me. Just to be clear, I pray that their efforts will be in vain and that they will eventually tire from reaping nothing. I never pray for their demise; instead, I pray that they never get what they truly deserve. Full disclosure? I pray that same prayer for myself as well — knowing that I fall short every day even when my intentions are good.
I’m careful about what I ask for and that it is in sync with God’s will because I expect God to move in those situations. Expecting God to answer your prayers, pleas, and wails is called faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ~Hebrews 11:1
My daily verse from the You Version app simplifies this verse and makes it a bit more clear: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives assurance about things we cannot see.” So, as you think about that, imagine your faith on a thermometer or a Likert scale. Where are you on the Faithmeter today? When you pray with the assurance that God is at work in all things and can do all things but fail, surely your standing on that Faithmeter is high. Certainly I know that as the seasons of our lives change, our faith sometimes wanes, but don’t let it plummet. Climb out of that pit with the help of your brothers and sisters. There’s no reason to stay there.
- Fellowship. Make time for friends who fill your cup, feed your spirit, and warm your soul.
- Ask God to send you resources to strengthen your faith.
- Inquire of others. What do the “faithful” do to remain that way?
- Testify! God has been good to all of us. Tell the world about it. Your testimony may pull someone out of the miry clay (Psalm 40:2) they’ve been stuck in for far too long.
- Humble yourself. Serve without the expectation of payment. Give as cheerfully as you can. Love each other as God loves you.
My prayer today (as with every post) is that these words revealed to me from the Spirit will reach those who need them. May blessings abound! <3
I find your words encouraging and pointed. I like that you include the source of our aspiration should be according to the will of God for our lives. Sometimes what we desire is not according to His perfect will for our lives. Once we are in alignment with His will, faith provides the substance of those things. Only then can we pray for our enemies and those who might work against us.
This is why I’m glad you’re back in the saddle. Iron sharpens iron, Sister.
Ah, you’re right:)
You know, one of the funny things about testifying is that it can also push the dial up on my own faith-o-meter. There’s a spiritual connection between my own words and my own soul, if you will. Thanks for the much needed encouragement right now.
Agreed! That’s why sharing your faith with others is so important. It’s as much for them as it is for you. <3
I love the definition of P.U.S.H. Great post!
Thanks so much! 🙂
This is a beautiful post. As simple as it may seem, sometimes you do need to be reminded how to pray.
As an introvert, spending time with friends who are generous with positive words and able to listen well is a great comfort. It is a blessing to be able to encourage each other when we get together.
I’m big on fellowship. I’m so mindful of the company I keep.
I didn’t always think this way; but the change, has changed my life for the better.
These are great tips!! These are things that I need to practice more of on a daily basis! Some I do but I love a good reminder!!
I value fellowship and spending time with people who uplift my spirit!
Stay bless for this post.
This scripture is one of the ones I go back to often, especially when I am feeling like I a weird space.
Needed to read this about FAITH! My husband and I are preparing and believing God for a house. Sometimes it can get stressful but I know with us doing our part, we just have to believe God is going to meet us and carry us the rest of the way.
Praying for your adversary is some real MATURE stuff. It will definitely wanes, but I have to WORK at not letting it plummet. But I know that everything works out for my good because I love Him. Thanks for sharing this!
Hey Tiffani, when you know better, you do better — no matter how difficult it is. 🙂 Trust me; I ignored the tug of the spirit to pray for those who caused me grief. Now, I just do it until things change. I never wish them harm. I just pray that their attempts to hurt me fail and that they will grow tired of trying. I also ask God to transform them if it is his will. Happy New Year!
Very nice.. Blessings
Thank you! I look forward to reading your blog. 🙂
I’m very new to this… Have installed, uninstalled and just reinstalled the app. I’m very new…
But the Blessings is I have so much I want to share… Life is ever so colourful and Father is #Rich with Love. Thanks
Thank you. Very well written. Today I just published an article on my blog unknowingly with the same title of, P.U.S.H., from a different angle though. I love how God can give us messages that can reach through various channels. God bless.
I can hardly with to read it.