“When are things going to change God?  This is taking too long!”  I sure have. Then God answers, “When you change!”  We are looking at the external and God is looking at the internal.  He wants to work in us and through us, but we want him to work for us.   Although God is concerned about every aspect of our lives, he will not neglect the important work of developing us into spiritually mature disciples of Christ.  James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

5 FAITH EXERCISES

1. Revisit the faith & prayer victories of the past.  No matter what is going on in your life, the devil cannot steal the testimony of what God has already done.  Praise and thank God for the miracles and answered prayers that you have experienced through the years.  Psalm 103:2 says, “With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget how kind he has been.”

2. Pray in the Holy Spirit.  We do not always know what to say or how to pray.  We need the Holy Spirit to help us to pray effectively.  “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Ghost.” – Jude 1:20

3. Saturate yourself in praise & worship music. Focusing on the attributes of God and worshiping him will engage God’s presence.  “But you are holy, O’ you that inhabit the praises of Israel.” – Psalm 22:3

4. Couple prayer with fasting – because sometimes prayer alone is not enough.  Fasting must be paired with prayer, because of the intensity of the spiritual warfare.  “But an evil spirit of this kind is only driven out by prayer and fasting.” – Mathew 17:21

5. Put scripture before you constantly. Write the promises of God on index cards and place these scriptures all over the house so you can continually remember the promises of God.  “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds…Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates…” – Deuteronomy 11:18, 20

PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“Father, sometimes I am disappointed, discouraged, and tired of waiting for my prayers to be answered.  Forgive me for complaining and being impatient.  Thank you for everything you have already done for me.  I ask you to strengthen me when I feel weak.  Lord, I come to drink from your Spirit, eat from your Word, and receive refreshing for my soul.  Help me to trust you despite the difficult circumstances.  May I be rooted and built up in you, established in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness.  In Jesus’ name – Amen.”