We don’t turn to God as soon or as often as we should. We forget, or we only turn to Him as a last resort. This can be because at some basic and unconscious level, we’re not ‘fully convinced’ that He’s able and willing to move on our behalf. Being able to admit that is humbling; it’s also the point when we can begin to build up our faith in God. Nothing in our lives will change until we pray, ‘Father, help me. I say things that I don’t follow through in my behaviour.’ When we start to pray that way, we can start walking through our Bible, rediscovering the fact that ‘God is able’.

He’s able to provide for us when we’re in a spiritual or emotional wilderness. He’s able to defeat the giants that stand in our way. He’s able to go through fiery trials with us and bring us out unharmed. He’s able to lift us up when we’ve been overlooked or opposed. ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us’ (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

Whatever it takes to own the words, ‘God is able,’ do it; otherwise we won’t be able to pray with confidence. We’ll make a few wishes, but we won’t be able to persevere in prayer until we know, deep down in our hearts, that God is able – and that He’s willing! Nothing is too difficult for Him. He’s just waiting for us to recognise that, and come to Him in faith asking for help.

What Now?

Whenever a problem arises today (however big or small), try to turn to God as your first step rather than your last resort when you’ve run out of ideas.