God loves you, and He has a good plan for your life. You are a wonderful creation made by God, and you have a unique purpose to fulfill in this world.
Ephesians 2:10 (AMPC) says that as Christians,
We are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
It’s so exciting to know we are each created with a purpose and God has a good life that He has prepared in advance for us to live. But it’s important to understand that we have an enemy, Satan, who wants to keep us from having the life Jesus died to give us.
Yes, Satan has a plan for us, too, and his plan is destruction and death. John 10:10 says the enemy “comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
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The good news is, we have everything we need through Christ to overcome the enemy. We just have to know who we are in Christ (who the Bible says we are through our relationship with Him), believe that we have His authority and know how to release the power God has given us.
Faith in God is required for us to release the power and authority we have in Christ. Romans 12:3b (NASB) says, “God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” This means God has given you enough faith to do His will, whatever it may be and no matter what the enemy throws at you to stop you.
There are many challenges and difficult situations we have to face in life. You may have a child with special needs to care for, or maybe you’re in a difficult marriage. You could be facing a devastating illness or have serious financial problems. Whatever your situation is, God has given you everything you need, through Christ, to keep you moving forward in His plan for your life.
We need to always remember that God is greater than our problems—nothing is too hard for Him, and nothing catches Him by surprise. When we’re going through hard times and the enemy is attacking us, we don’t need to ask, “What can I do?” The question is, “What can God do?” The Word says all things are possible with God, and greater is He who lives in me than he who is in the world (Matt. 19:26, 1 John 4:4).
I want you to really get this in your heart today: Through Christ, you have enough faith and the strength you need to do whatever you need to do in life! Get rid of “I can’t” thinking and focus on the truth of God’s Word, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13, NKJV).
Prayer is a simple, powerful way to interrupt Satan’s plan because we release our faith through prayer. We need to learn to pray our way through the day; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (AMPC) says, “Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly].” This means prayer can be as natural as breathing and our first response in every situation. It’s so amazing that we can talk to God all the time.
The enemy doesn’t want us to pray, so he will do everything he can to discourage us. He wants us to think prayer is hard, that we need to use eloquent speech and sound poetic, that we need to be careful what we ask God for so we don’t overload Him with too many requests or that we have to be in a certain place with a certain posture (on our knees, head bowed, eyes closed) for God to hear us. But it’s actually simple to pray effectively.
James 5:16b says, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” God wants you to come to Him honestly, with a sincere heart, and just talk to Him as a friend. Be yourself and don’t approach conversation with God as a religious activity. Humble yourself before Him and open your heart to Him. He loves you and wants you to walk in His will for your life victoriously.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are God’s child, and He is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is the Almighty God, and if God is for you—if He is on your side—who can be against you?
In Christ, you have what you need today to live in victory. All you need to do is believe it and do what God is showing you to do in His Word and as He speaks to your heart. Put your faith in God constantly. Pray, take God-inspired action and fulfill your true purpose in life!
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For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-part teaching resource “How to Release God’s Power in Your Life.” You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, “Enjoying Everyday Life,” by calling 800-727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org.
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries Inc. She has authored more than 140 books, including “Battlefield of the Mind” and “Overcoming Every Problem” (FaithWords). She hosts the “Enjoying Everyday Life” radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.
Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.
