Prayers Don't Expire

Before you give up, press play. Today we are going to talk about the topic of it: Prayers don't expire, let's dive in!Sometimes we confuse commitments with productivity.We stay busy, we stay loud, we stay moving, but are we actually advancing, or are we just exhausting ourselves?We know how to go to God so why don't we?We can go to God like the persistent widow, refusing to let go without justice.We can go to God like Sarah believing when the promise feels so delayed.We can go to God like Hannah, pouring our hearts out when words fail.Ladies, we can even go to God like Jonah, these people are too lost to deserve saving or desperate enough to cry out from the depths after disobedience has occurred.We can go to God like Jairus, clinging to hope even when the report says “too late.”We can go to God like Abraham, trusting God to provide because of faith and obedience, even when the cost feels unbearable.We know how to pray, so why have some of us stopped praying?Are we living a life that keeps us positioned for God to move?1Thessalonians 5:16–22 ESV[16] Rejoice always,[17] pray without ceasing,[18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.[19] Do not quench the Spirit.[20] Do not despise prophecies,[21] but test everything; hold fast what is good.[22] Abstain from every form of evil.Notice it doesn’t say rejoice when it’s easy.Abstain from the ungodly things that you are intrigued by.It doesn’t say pray only when it’s urgent.It doesn’t say give thanks when it makes sense.It says always.Without ceasing.In all circumstances.But here’s the heart-check, ladies:Are we willing to dig our heels in and pray like Jesus prayed?Not the professional polite prayers.Not the quick speed date prayers.Not the “Lord, if You don’t mind” prayers.But the kind of prayer that draws a line in the sand.Luke 4:8 NKJV[8] And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”Jesus didn’t negotiate.He didn’t explain Himself.He didn’t entertain the accusations.He stood on what was written.So let me ask youWhat are you standing on when the enemy comes whispering?What scripture do you answer with when doubt knocks?What truth do you cling to when yesterday’s failures try to indict you today?Ladies, we already know the outcome. We have victory in Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:57–58 NKJV[57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.Your labor is not in vain ladies.Your prayers are not wasted.Your obedience is not overlooked.Remember your submission to your husband glorifies God. When the enemy starts accusing you by dragging up the bad decisions of yesterday or even five minutes ago it’s time to bring up God’s resume.Remember how He walked you through it before.Remember how He sustained you in the middle of the mess.Remember how He rescued you when you didn’t see a way out.God is not slack concerning His promises.He is omnipresent.Omniscient.Omnipotent.A rescuer then and a rescuer now.And He does not change.But let’s be honest, can we say the same about ourselves?Do we walk like we believe God can do anything but fail?Have we let life create distance in our relationship with Christ?Have disappointments, unanswered prayers, or delayed promises caused us to pull back?Isn’t He the only One who has ever been truly faithful and true from beginning to end?Ladies, prayers do not expire.So keep praying.Whether it’s for you.For your children.For your family.For friends who don’t even know you’re praying.God cares.And God is listening.