Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! 

It's time to announce the Starbucks gift card winner for July. Drum roll please...

Christy Mitchell, congratulations! You are the winner of a Starbucks $10.00 gift card! Just email me at info@susielarson.com with your address (before I announce next month's winner) and I'll get your card in the mail. Thanks everyone for your posts!

As most of you know, I have a new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson. The program airs every Saturday morning from noon to 1:00 CST. And guess what? We may be going live-daily in the fall! I'll keep you posted. 

Last week my guest was Pam Pierce and we had a great conversation about her new book, "The Rewards of Simplicity." She says that living a simplified life has everything to do with our faith in God. I agree. Check out the podcast from that show. This Saturday, my guest is Christin Ditchfield and we'll talk about the power of our words and about her new book, "A Way With Words: What Women Should Know About the Power They Possess." Listen in on KTIS AM 900, or listen online at: www.faith900.com 

Now on to my topic...

I've observed something in the past year that has really captured my attention. I've noticed two distinct 'camps' among Christians (although, there are many more sub-groups among Christians than these). One on side you see unapologetic, sold-out, passionate followers of Christ who are sincerely concerned about the times, and, serious about their role in the Kingdom story. On the other hand, you also see a large contingency of Christians, totally consumed with their everyday life, totally oblivious to the urgency of the times and ignorant of their role in the events that are unfolding before our eyes.

These two distinctions are especially apparent among the young people in our day, but they exist in older more 'seasoned' Christians as well. 

Another thing I've noticed is how many of the sincere-sold-out Christians are in the fire right now; going through the battle of their lives; fighting for their homes, their marriages, and their sense of security. Godly people are learning to suffer well, and yet are desperate for their breakthroughs.

Though I'm not presently in the fire like some of my friends are, I've got a number of heavy burdens that I'm carrying close to my heart; things in which I've waited and longed for a breakthrough. And yet, I have seen little to no evidence that my prayers are working.

However, every time I'm tempted to view my prayers as inconsequential, or to pull back from my stubborn stance of faith, I remind myself of this truth (and I say it out loud so that my own ears can hear it):

The earnest prayer of a righteous man or woman accomplishes great and powerful things! (See James 5:16). 

The other day while biking the trails and praying about those things that weigh heavily upon me, God brought a wonderful revelation to my heart. I saw a picture in my mind of a brick wall. I was on one side (with all of the forces of heaven standing with me, agreeing with me; and with the Light of God's truth shining on me, and showing me how to pray). On the other side of the wall were those walking in darkness. They are blind to the ways the enemy has dulled their senses. 

Though they were on one side of what seemed like an impenetrable wall, and I on the other, all at once I began to see the impact of my prayers. Every prayer I prayed was like a wrecking ball to that thick brick wall, chipping away at the enemy's shrewdly constructed fortress. Eventually, the bricks crumbled and broke and the light broke through. 

The Bible says that when you pray God's will, you can KNOW that you have what you've asked for. Pray His Word, pray His will, and you will see the Kingdom of God advance through your prayers.

He desires that we walk in fullness and freedom with Him. He desires that we know and love Him for who He is (not for who the world has made Him out to be). He desires that those who walk in darkness would come into the light. He desires to comfort the suffering, refresh the weary, restore the broken, and provide for those in need. He is a good God; a powerful God; and He is on a rescue mission. He has determined to work through our prayers! 

Pray earnestly, with GREAT faith, my friend! Every prayer is like a wrecking ball to the enemy's plans. You may not see it, but God is at work in your midst. He moves on the prayers of His people. Most of our prayers - at first - initiate invisible changes. But suddenly - oh how I love that word! - yes, suddenly, the light will break through and things will start to change.

Do not look down. Do not give up. Look up. Stand strong. Know the power of His Word!

Blessings to you this week~

Susie