Walking by Faith, Staying in Prayer: Even When You Feel Defeated

Hello, my ForevaBlack family, I took a little mental break, and it was much needed. As you all may know, and if you’re new here and do not personally know me, I lost my sister a little over two months ago. One of the main goals for me—in writing this blog—is for me to be able to express my vulnerability without inhibition. Therefore, I will always be honest—and never lie to you about how (what) I am feeling (thinking). I am here to help you, and sometimes humility is the only way to inspire people to keep going. Mentally, I have been feeling defeated. I’ve been feeling very depressed, stressed, disappointed... and as I help you—ultimately, I help myself. literally everything you can think of, I’ve felt or still feel.

Grief is something that everyone at some point must experience, and it isn’t something that we can escape. Spiritually, I have not been as close to God as I would like to be... and I know you may think, during a time like this, why are you not closely connected to God? It is honestly easier said than done, I had a talk with my father a few days ago and he said something I was feeling but never said... “you can pray to God for a particular outcome and not get it, and you’re left feeling disappointed.” That is the truest thing ever, I’ve been upset with God a little ever since my sister have passed away. I’m just being open and honest, and this is a conversation that I’ve had with God, and I know He does not hold it against me. I pray persistently to take those emotions away, because God knows best even if though right now—I don’t understand.  

Now, let’s get into today’s topic and why I chose it. Today, we’ll dig into faith and prayer; God tells us in His word to walk by faith and to pray without ceasing. As I have been struggling with life lately, faith and prayer have been a constant theme in my life. The point of this topic is to encourage others to have a life full of faith and prayer! I know that there is no question that we are all struggling with something, whether we show it or not. Faith is so important to have, and prayer is essential to keep in your life. Have you ever wondered how life would be if we never prayed? Just think about it, reflect on how you feel on days where you do not pray? We all have had those days where we have not prayed, and I can personally say I feel empty when I do not cover myself in prayer.  

We have to commit ourselves to a life of prayer, we should always have faith and pray. Faith pleases God, therefore He tells us in Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” He also reminds us in the book of Matthew that faith moves mountains, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20) No matter what you may go through, know that God is there, and He hears us. Even when a situation looks dead, always still have faith; no matter the outcome.

God can make anything possible, and even when it does not turn out the way you want... God can still move in the midst of your situation. Faith can change your perspective on life; faith brings hope, faith provides peace and inspires purpose. Faith can bring peace by knowing we can trust God to carry us through and leave no room for worry and anxiety. It births hope and purpose because it helps us move forward, and knowing what has happened is a part of a bigger plan that God has for us.  

Initially, I never understood praying without ceasing; like I get He wants us to pray constantly, but I used to question why. That no longer remains a question. As I am maturing as a young adult, and learning about life for myself... I now completely understand. Praying constantly covers us in protection, it helps us be able to be protected from things in both the physical and the spiritual realms. We cannot see what God sees, God sees the seen and unseen dangers in our everyday lives. Always pray with confidence, with thankfulness, and pray WITH FAITH.

Prayer and faith work together, the scripture Mark 11: 24 says “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Praying with faith will move barriers that the enemy may try to put in our way, prayer can heal you and others, prayer truly changes things. Prayer deepens our relationship with God, and it helps us (emotionally, mentally, and spiritually). Prayer brings comfort, comfort that this world cannot give us. Praying physically lifts a weight from your shoulders, it helps you release burdens and break the shackles that may have a hold on you.  

I hope this small post today will inspire you to pray and have faith more, remember that prayer and faith work together. Those two are deeply connected; faith brings more life to prayer, and prayer will strengthen your faith. Always make God your foundation, without God, we are nothing. God sometimes allows us to navigate through some difficult things so we can fully trust Him; He allows our backs to appear to be against the wall so that we have no choice but to trust him and rely on him. When having faith in something, no matter what you may be praying for... remember, faith WITHOUT works is dead. Meet God halfway, sometimes you’re not waiting on God... there are times when God is waiting on you. Pray and think on this today, what am I going to change to meet God halfway? How hard am I willing to work to increase my prayer life, and my faith? God will never leave nor forsake us, He has our backs... just trust and believe. I pray this blog blesses you in numerous ways, share this with someone you love today and let them know God is working it out, even if it isn’t the way YOU want it to be worked out. God is in control, and He makes no mistakes. I love you my ForevaBlack family! See you on the next blog post :)