Stand in Faith

I know there are so many people who are praying, seeking, knocking, believing, and contending for something. For us, that is babies. For many, it might look like healing from a sickness, financial breakthrough, or a husband.

So how do you keep on believing and contending when it’s been years and you’re exhausted? How do you stay hopeful when you feel like God isn’t listening? What is the point of continuing to pray when it has been years and your prayers haven’t been answered?

I love this sermon by Craig Groeschel at Lifechurch, called Stand in Faith. I don’t want to be someone who stands in fear or gives up easily. I want to stand firm in my faith – even when the waves come crashing in and nothing in my natural circumstances seems to be changing, I’m going to keep believing.

In Daniel 10, Daniel was praying that the temple would be restored and that his friends in bondage would be released to go back to their homeland. It was during that time that He received a vision from God that spoke to him.

Here are 3 Things to Remember When Standing Firm in Faith:

1 – God Cares About You More Than You Do

“A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.” Daniel 10:10

There is nothing you can do to make God love you more. He loves you because that is who he is. You are precious to him. He puts all value in you. He created you. He desires you. He cares more about you than you think. Just as He touched Daniel, He will touch you. Recognize His presence, listen to His voice, and feel His touch.

2 – God is Doing More Than You Understand

Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. Daniel 10:12-13

The first time you prayed God heard your prayer. God loves persistence. Just because you don’t see anything doesn’t mean God isn’t do anything. God is working behind the scenes on all the details. Keep praying until He answers you. He will respond to your prayers just as He did for Daniel.

3 – God’s Strength is Made Perfect in Your Weakness

For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.” Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”  Daniel 10:17-19

When you are so exhausted, that you feel like you have nothing left, that is when you are at your strongest. When you feel like you are at the end of the rope, tired of praying, waiting, and believing is when God’s strength will keep you going. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Embrace your weakness and tap into His strength. He cares about all the details.

Whatever you are facing, remember God loves you. He is working out 10,000 details to answer your one prayer. When you understand your weakness, you will appreciate God’s strength. Stay strong in your faith.