Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
WE NEED FAITH!
It is obvious from this verse that faith is important to our ability to walk with God. It is the thing we know we need but never feel we have enough of. It seems illusive to the natural mind and frankly, the natural mind can’t wrap fully around it. It is in the ability of the spirit in a man to connect with God’s Word that produces faith. It is also in the ability of the spirit of a man to release the faith that the Word creates.
IS IT ANY WONDER THAT YOUR FAITH, YOUR FAMILY’S FAITH, AND THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH IS CHALLENGED?
If you are pleasing God, believing God, and releasing faith in the earth, that means the Kingdom of God is advancing. The devil hates that. He doesn’t sit idly by and suck his thumb. No! He is a strategist. We must never forget that. Jesus knew that was the case. You can see an example in God’s Word.
PETER WAS GOING TO FACE A TRIAL…A STRATEGIC TRIAL
Jesus was about to go to the cross. The disciples would be at risk. Jesus told Peter.
Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
PETER NEEDED FAITH TO WORK FOR HIM
Faith was what Peter needed to hold up during his time of trial. The devil wanted Peter stopped before he could even get started. Jesus prayed for Peter’s faith. If you have read the Bible, you know that Peter’s faith did not fail, even when it seemed that Peter did, as he denied Jesus. Yet Peter becomes a pillar in the Church. Not many days after the resurrection and coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter preached and several thousand were saved. He eventually died a martyr’s death. It takes some faith to do that.
THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO FORTIFY THE CHURCH AND OURSELVES ABOUT OUR FAITH
Everyone has their time of trial. Every church has their time of trial. Every family goes through times that will try and test their faith. The Apostle Paul knew this and prayed for the church. We get a sample of his prayer for the Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
He knew that the church needed to be fortified and built up in prayer so they could have the work of faith with power in their lives. This is still true today.
IF YOU DECIDE TO PRAY THOUGH THE VIDEO WITH ME…
You will find this verse among others. As you pray with me, speak them over yourself, your family, and your church. As you do, the powerful Word of God goes and accomplishes what it was sent to do.
Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
SEND THE WORD
You do that by speaking it and praying it. As you send the Word of God about faith, faith rises up and faith is fortified in your life, your family and your church.
I hope you will hang out with me and pray!
Blessings,
lisa
© Copyright Lisa Swayze 2019
Fortifying Prayer Part 1
Fortifying Prayer Part 8
