The Power You Need to Know You Have

Written By Erika Ikwild

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power, love, and a sound mind (self-discipline).” 

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

We all have the power within us to rise above. I know this because I have been practicing it myself, learning to find good in the midst of the difficult, training my mind to think positive thoughts that lead my heart to feel gratitude and peace, despite what is going on around me. It is not easy, but I am steadily improving.

I understand difficult. I really do. And I know it’s a struggle to believe you have the power to do anything when you’re weak and weary of the battle. 

But if I can learn how to move beyond survival to rise above:

Abuse

Betrayal

Rejection

Abandonment

Financial distress

Hopelessness

Countless tragedies

Gut-wrenching grief, and

Multiple family suicides,

YOU CAN TOO. 

God lives IN you, and He has all power in heaven and on earth to change our lives and bring joy in the midst of pain, peace despite the strife, and as the Bible states, “beauty for ashes.” Jesus said we would do “greater things” than He did. (John 14:12) Greater than the power Jesus Christ himself displayed during his short ministry on earth.

Now is the time for us to embrace that power and believe His promise. We CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13)

Our primary privilege and joy is to spend time with God every day, praying to Him in Jesus’ Name in the power of Holy Spirit, expecting Him to hear and answer because God has promised He will, and He never lies, deceives, or forsakes us. He is always with us. We can be confident of this because God has proven He is faithful.

The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to give abundant life. (John 10:10) God does not seek to harm us. He is our healer, our refuge, our strong tower. Receive and rest in His goodness today. Let His comfort pour over you and into your heart. Let Him minister to your pain, your needs, your weary soul.

I pray in the morning and pray at night. I pray in the wee hours of the dark when I am awakened for any number of reasons. Sometimes, I think God wakes me because He loves to hear me pray. I am sure He is equally blessed to hear your heartfelt prayers whenever you pray.

May the following prayer lead you to confidence in God’s power and presence, and may it bring your heart peace as you rest and trust in Him.

“I thank and praise you, Father God, for your presence and power in my life. Thank you for watching over us day and night and for healing my body by the precious blood of Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Thank you for cleansing my heart and mind and for filling me with hope. I receive my healing and claim a strong body, a peaceful heart, and a clear mind.

Thank you for strengthening me to withstand the attacks of the enemy. I declare that no weapon formed against me or those I love will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)

I can control my spending and fix my finances.

I can get the job.

I can teach my children to be honest, kind, thoughtful, and brave.

I can balance my work and rest.

I can remain calm in the midst of the storm.

I can find courage to face a difficult conversation.

I can say No when necessary.

I can find the support I need to help me heal the past and overcome trials and tough times.

I can be responsible for myself and allow others to be responsible for their own feelings, thoughts, and actions.

I can live a life of joy, peace, connection, and nearness to God.

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

The joy of the LORD is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) 

Help me, LORD, to guard my joy. It truly is my strength. Help me to hold fast and set my heart and mind on positive, joyful, hope-filled thoughts and feelings. You have already declared the victory!

Thank you, LORD, for fighting my battles for me and for working all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) I believe You will show me a way out of distress and depression. You will lift me up so that I will not stumble and fall. (Psalm 91)

You, oh God, are my Protector, my Provider, my Source of love, joy and peace. My hope is in You alone. You will never leave me nor forsake me. (Deut. 31:6)

You are the God of the impossible. 

Show me Your path for me, oh God. Open my eyes to see the way You have prepared for me that will move me beyond all fear, confusion, doubt, and despair.

Thank you for giving me life and breath and for holding my hand through the storm. Fill my mind with Your thoughts and my heart with Your love.

Release Your power in me and through me so my life will reflect Your promise that I WILL do great things in Jesus’ Name.

I thank and praise you, Father God, for creating me and for giving me purpose and hope.

Fill me.

Lead me.

Teach me.

Use me.

Free me to follow You all the days of my life.

In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

When you listen to your heart, you are on the path to who you are meant to be. Your heart holds the key to your peace, joy, courage, freedom, hope, and strength.

By living in tune with your heart, you bring more of what lights up your life into your day-to-day world because your heart knows your true desires. The desires God placed in you before you were born. The desires He knows will bring you purpose, joy, confidence, and meaning. The same desires that will help the world around you to heal and find wholeness in God through Jesus Christ.

Go make the world around you a beautiful, joyful place as you hold your strength in Him near.

With gratitude,

Donna
Freetobe  |  In Faith  |  In Word  |  In Life

Additional Resources:

Erika Ikwild https://www.cottagefourco.com
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When Your Spoken ‘Yes’ is a Heartfelt ‘No’