Mark 11:24 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
James 1:6 (ESV): “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
As I prayed about today’s devotional, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to talk about the difference between having faith and just hoping that God’s promises will work for us. We often say we trust God's Word, but when trials hit, it can feel harder to actually stand in that faith.
This weekend, I had an opportunity to practice what I preach. One of my daughters was attacked shortly after undergoing surgery. On top of that, thieves broke into her home, stealing items—including her car and house keys. As a mother, I was heartbroken and angry.
I’ve learned over the years to forgive others and recognize that it's the enemy working through people to cause pain. But I also had to be real with myself—anger began to rise in me. It was clear I needed an attitude adjustment. Instead of letting that anger fester, I needed to shift my focus to God's plan and His protection over my daughter.
I knew what to do—pray in faith, not in unbelief. Begging God would only reinforce fear. My conversation with my Heavenly Father went like this:
“Father God, through Jesus' sacrifice, You’ve given us authority over evil. You’ve called us to stand firm and declare Your promises over every challenge we face. I need Your strength to respond the way You expect.”
I played some Christian music, but most of the songs were geared toward people in distress. I needed something that spoke of victory. When I couldn’t find it, I turned the music off and prayed silently. I asked for angels to recover my daughter’s keys and place them back in her home. Finally, I said, “Lord, I really need this victory.”
A few hours later, my daughter called to say the keys had mysteriously reappeared—right on the kitchen counter. Everyone had searched the house, even the trash, and those keys had not been there before. God had answered my prayer.
What I learned in this situation is that keeping our minds on God’s promises and controlling our thoughts and words is essential. When we focus on Him, He works on our behalf—even in the most impossible situations.
Declarations:
I will stand in faith and believe God’s promises, no matter how challenging the situation.
I will pray with confidence, knowing that God hears me and answers according to His perfect will.
I will guard my thoughts and words, speaking only life and victory.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for always being faithful and true to Your Word. Help me to live in faith, trusting Your promises even when my circumstances look impossible. Give me strength to speak only words of life and hope. I declare that You are at work in every situation I face, bringing victory, healing, and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
