It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I was frustrated. We had been at worship band practice for two hours and had made no progress. Tension was high, and unity was low.
Finally, as a last resort, I said, “Guys, can we just pray about this? Practice is going nowhere.”
So all seven of us laid down our instruments, put on a worship song, and prayed that God would help us. And a switch was flipped. We played the next song with unusual accuracy and anointing. Afterward, we just stared at each other awkwardly smiling. We knew God had shown up.
I learned a valuable lesson that day — God gives you the power to be successful.
Although it was a new revelation for me, it had been God’s character since the beginning. In Deuteronomy 8:18 God tells the the children of Israel, “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful…”
After living in bondage for 400 years, God was about to take the children of Israel into a new season of blessing. He had given them promises of land, natural resources, riches, and victory over the enemy — followed by a warning.
Don’t forget who made you successful.
And as history tells us, anytime God’s people forgot about Him they soon remembered the effects of difficulty and failure. The same is true for us.
God loves to bless you. But we must realize that His blessings come as a byproduct of a healthy relationship. We don’t worship God to receive a blessing, we worship God and become blessed.
Now would be a good time to mention that God knows the intentions of our hearts. He can’t be “used” as a tool for blessings. That’s not what this is about. It’s about inviting God into every area of our life.
When you invite God into specific situations in your life, your allowing divine power, authority, and insight to guide and assist you. Who couldn’t use God’s help?
This isn’t a highly spiritually activity either. It looks like a simple prayer and acknowledgment of need.
“God, would you help me focus on my studies today and retain the information I need to pass this test?”
“God without you I’m not very kind to people, would you give me the grace I need to treat people with love today?”
“God I don’t have what it takes to lead small group tonight. Would you give me a word of encouragement for those you have trusted me with?”
“God I don’t know how to navigate this business deal. Would you give me the wisdom to make a decision that is best for my business and family?
“God you gave me this sex drive. Help please.”
It’s almost supernatural the way we begin navigating once hard situations with grace when God’s hand is on our life. But He needs an invitation.
The power to succeed is only found in God.
How would things change if you invited God into that situation in your life that has been stressing you out? What would it be like to have the power of God on your side?
I want to encourage you to press into God. Take time today (and every day) to invite God into specific situations into your life and watch as He gives you the power to succeed.
– Daniel Maddry