Dear Friend,

The Bible says that God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Eph. 3:20).

God has the ability to do more in our lives than we could ever dream of! But, it doesn't stop there. It says that it's according to His power working within us.

This tells me that I can either help or hinder the power of God working in my life.

Looking back on my life, this definitely rings true.

I have loved God and been a Christian since I was 11 years old. Even as a drug addict I loved God and spent time reading my Bible. But the power of God wasn't working in my life.

Why?

Because I was the problem. I was hindering the goodness of God towards me because I wasn't doing God's will.

The more we learn about God and how to cooperate with His will, the more we will experience freedom in our life and the power of God's goodness and promises flowing in us and through us.

Here are three ways that we can cooperate with God and allow His power to work within us:

1. Relationship with God will always come first. Through an intimate relationship with God, He will lead us and guide us through everything we need to know in this life time. Anything good that happens in our life will come from intimacy with Him. "Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with His mighty strength!" (Ephesians 6:10 CJB)

2. Renewing our mind with God's Word. A consistent devotion to reading the Bible will bring effortless transformation to the believer's life. Anyone who commits themselves to the Word of God will always see perseverance, growth, and promotion in their life. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

3. Resist the devil and submit to God. We are in a spiritual war (Eph. 6:11-12). You have an enemy and he is constantly trying to deceive, distract, and steal your God-given destiny from you. Christ in you is greater! Quickly yield to God's leadership, so that you can resist the enemy by faith. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

These three simple things will prepare us for godliness, armor us spiritually, and produce growth and maturity in our life.

There have been many times in my life where I was doing things contrary to what I knew God wanted me to do. This is what the Bible calls "hardness of heart" (Heb 3:15).

When we voluntarily contradict God and His will, we become spiritually blind and we partner with the devil (Rom. 6:16).

Now, more than ever, the body of Christ needs to be hearing God and obeying Him quickly, so that we can bring forth His will on the earth.

If God is asking you to start something new, obey Him quickly!

If God is leading you to stop a destructive behavior, let go of an addiction, or end a toxic relationship, obey Him speedily!

Speaking from experience, God has spoken to me about each one of these things, and He continues to lead me every day. As I am able to obey God, He takes my life farther and farther with Him, and His power works within me mightily!

This started with simple things like reading the Bible consistently, which led to cleaning my house and my car, which led to taking care of my body and health, which led to being a good steward of my finances and tithing, which led to being faithful in my relationships and at work.

These sound like simple and minute things, but the way we live our life is a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

Sometimes, it can be too easy to silence His quiet, gentle leadership within me. To keep myself in alignment with Him, I ask myself two questions:

• Am I doing what God's asked me to do?

• Am I reflecting Him with excellence in everything I do?

These are good ways to examine my life and my actions, and if I find myself off course, I ask Him to help me correct my path!

Either way, wherever you find yourself today, God loves you and is pleased with you! He has great, extraordinary plans for your life! And, He's not finished with you yet. Your God-given purpose is still in tact.

Your ability to obey God in the little things will lead to greater responsibility and promotion in the Kingdom of God.

It is only by the grace of God that any of us have been saved and delivered from hell. It is only by the grace of God that we can do anything else in this life time.

Cultivate an intimate relationship with the Lord and go deeper with Him. Invite Him into every sphere and corner of your life. Ask Him to help you with everything that you do and with anything that He asks you to do. He will help you and show Himself strong on your behalf.

The power of God working within you will grow mightier and mightier every day!

I pray that God would do far more abundantly than all that you can ask or think, according to the power that works within you!

With Love,
Erin