There is no way one can ever know, at the beginning of the year, the impact of one word. I continue to be amazed how my word, Prevail, continues to weave its way deeply into my heart and mind.
I am not sure when I saw, on Twitter, the book recommended by Pastor Jim Cymbala. But something told me if he were learning from the book and suggesting it, I should read it as well.
The Path of Prayer (by Samuel Chadwick) has been both a quick and slow read for me. Quick in that, my first time through took about an hour, for it is a small book of ninety pages. Slow because I am now taking my time, reading one chapter a week and absorbing the lessons to be learned.
And the word “Prevail” appears time and time again, bringing with it powerful truths by which to cling:
“All true prayer, the prayer that prevails, is personal, intimate and original.”
“He [Jesus] is represented as taking our prayers and adding to them of the fire of the altar that makes them prevail.”
“The Holy Spirit searches the deep things of God. He takes the things of Christ and reveals them to us. God knows the mind of the Spirit; we pray in the Spirit, instructed and inspired by Him, and He makes intercession for us in wordless intercession. That is the New Testament explanation of prayer that prevails.”
“Intensity is a law of prayer. God is found of those who seek Him with all their heart. Wrestling prayer prevails.”
“Prevailing prayer makes men invincible.”
“There is power in the praying that prevails … There is no power like that of prevailing prayer.”
And then this week, brought a lesson from Nehemiah. Nehemiah who was called to build a wall and restore a city. Nehemiah who did ordinary work, day in and day out. His work prospered because he prayed.
“So he [Nehemiah] prayed and he trusted; so he worked and so he prevailed.”
(The Path of Prayer by Samuel Chadwick, page 65)
There are days we may think our work is unimportant, or will not make a difference. But may we be like Nehemiah – trusting God has placed us exactly where He will be able to use us.
Pray.
Trust.
Work.
Prevail.
Today I am joining … One Word 2021 .
So true that we prevail through ordinary work. Nothing flamboyant or wow inducing, but faithfulness, faithfulness, faithfulness…
“Trusting God has placed us exactly where He will be able to use us” such an encouraging word for me today!
This is so true, Joanne, “There is no way one can ever know, at the beginning of the year, the impact of one word. I continue to be amazed how my word, Prevail, continues to weave its way deeply into my heart and mind.” It has been an interesting journey for me, walking with the Lord about my one word, harvest. I’m thankful for His faithfulness in leading us.
Thank you for sharing about Samuel Chadwick. I have never heard of him before, but I just went on Amazon and bought his collection of works. Thanks for the recommendation.
Nehemiah’s story taught be how prayer is to be the first we do in everything! I must say I needed this today as a reminder to make prayer the first part of all that I journey toward. (And journey is my word for this year). Thank you!
How wonderful to stumble upon prevail again and again! I so love when that happens. I talked with my husband on Saturday again about my word Uncertainty (he was trying so hard to remember my word without me having to tell him again, but alas, it didn’t happen, lol). And then Sunday morning as we were listening to a sermon, the pastor used Uncertainty again and again and again. It made us both smile. God is faithful to prompt us when we’re looking for him. So glad you added this to our One Word linkup. It’s valuable.
Joanne, I love learning about your word, it’s so full of hope! Finding it as you did this past month blessed me. I love thinking about “prevailing in prayer”, that statement breathes new life into my prayers!
I love how you keep stumbling on ‘your word’, Joanne. Great word. Mine is ‘yes’ – it sometimes means that I end up saying yes to things I can’t see through to the end. This is where being able to prevail will work. Thanks you for the inspiration.
It’s amazing how God keeps bringing the concept of prevailing to you in multiple ways!