Select Page
Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough

Why Your Prayers Might Be Holding Back Your Financial Breakthrough

We've all been there—stressed about finances, overwhelmed by bills, and wondering why it feels like no matter how hard we work, the breakthrough never comes. But what if the answer to our financial struggles isn't found in working harder or saving more? What if the solution starts with something as simple, yet powerful, as prayer?

In this post, we'll explore how praying boldly for your finances can open the doors to breakthroughs you may have never imagined. This blog post is inspired by my sermon "Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances," which dives into how you can pray with faith for financial provision.

While many people focus solely on practical financial strategies, the power of prayer in achieving financial breakthroughs is often overlooked. Let's explore how changing your approach to prayer can transform your financial situation.

It Starts with a Change in Your Prayers

Financial breakthroughs don’t begin with a change in your bank account—they begin with a change in your prayers. Many of us, in times of financial stress, rely on our own strength, trying to work harder or budget more strictly. While these actions are important, we often miss the most powerful tool at our disposal: bold prayer.

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:19 that “God will supply all your needs from His glorious riches.” It’s a beautiful promise, but are we truly trusting in God’s provision, or are we holding back, relying too much on our own ability to fix our situation?

While bold prayer is the foundation for financial breakthroughs, it's important to remember that faith without action is incomplete. This leads us to consider the practical steps we can take alongside our prayers to align our faith with action.

The size of your prayers says a lot about the size of your faith. If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things? #BoldPrayers #Faith

Click to Post

The Fear of Bold Prayers

One of the reasons we may hesitate to pray boldly for our finances is fear. Fear of asking for too much. Fear that God won’t answer. Or maybe fear that we’re not deserving of the breakthrough we need. This tension between relying on ourselves and trusting God can keep us from experiencing the full blessing He has in store for us.

James 4:2 speaks directly to this hesitation: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Think about that for a moment. How often have you avoided praying for something specific, like debt relief or a new job, because you were afraid it was too much to ask?

Bold prayers show bold faith. It’s about trusting that God not only hears your prayers but delights in exceeding your expectations. Like Job, who lost everything only to have it restored twofold when he prayed (Job 42:10), we too can trust that God is not only able but willing to provide abundantly.

While bold prayer is the foundation for financial breakthroughs, many people struggle with fears that hold them back from praying with confidence.

Fear should never hold us back from asking God for what seems impossible. We serve a big God who invites bold requests. #PrayBoldly #TrustGod

Click to Post

Practical Steps: Aligning Faith with Action

While prayer is essential, it’s also important to align your actions with your faith. Praying for a financial breakthrough doesn’t mean passively waiting for money to fall into your lap. God often works through our actions, and we can combine faith-filled prayers with practical financial stewardship.

Here are some practical steps to take after committing your finances to God in prayer:

  1. Create or review your budget. Being a good steward of what you have is an act of faith and discipline.
  2. Seek financial advice. Whether through a mentor, financial advisor, or educational resources, gaining wisdom about managing your money is part of trusting God with your finances.
  3. Practice generosity. Luke 6:38 tells us, “Give, and you will receive.” Being generous, even when it feels counterintuitive, can open the doors to blessings beyond what we expect.

While taking these practical steps is important, it's equally crucial to understand that financial breakthroughs often require patience and unwavering faith.

Bold prayers aren’t about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God’s got this#BoldFaith #GodsPlan

Click to Post

The Role of Perseverance and Faith

It’s important to remember that financial breakthroughs don’t always happen overnight. Frederick Douglass, a historical example of perseverance, prayed boldly for his freedom and financial future. Though the results didn’t come immediately, Douglass saw God’s hand at work through years of prayer and steadfast faith.

You may be praying for financial freedom, job promotion, or better financial management. Whatever your situation, don’t give up. God is at work, and His timing is perfect.

Key Takeaway: God Exceeds Our Expectations

At the heart of this message is a simple truth: God doesn’t just meet our needs; He often exceeds them when we fully trust Him. Luke 6:38 gives us a vivid image of this: blessings “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”

The profound question to ask yourself is this: “Do I believe that God is both able and willing to provide beyond my expectations?”

When we start praying boldly and trust God’s timing, we begin to see Him work in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Whether you’re seeking debt relief, a new job, or financial peace, remember that God’s resources are infinite, and He is eager to bless you.

While taking practical steps is important, it's equally crucial to understand that financial breakthroughs often require patience and unwavering faith.

Conclusion: Start Praying Boldly

Your financial breakthrough begins when you stop focusing on what you lack and start trusting in what God has. It’s time to start praying boldly, asking God for the things that seem impossible, and trusting Him to provide.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and everything else will be added to us. When we align our hearts with God and bring our specific financial needs to Him in prayer, we open the door for Him to move in our lives in remarkable ways.

God invites us to ask boldly, trusting that He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine#AskBig #FaithInAction

Click to Post

So, what’s holding you back from praying boldly for your finances?

Today, commit to bringing your financial needs to God in faith. He’s ready to exceed your expectations—are you ready to trust Him fully?

For more guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation

This book will help you dive deeper into the power of bold, faith-filled prayers. Available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Start transforming your prayer life today!

Lastly, don’t miss the full sermon that inspired this post, Why Your Prayers May Be Holding Back Your Finances, available on YouTube

Watch it to gain even more insight into the power of bold prayer for financial breakthroughs.

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Do you ever hesitate to ask God for something big because you're afraid He won’t answer? Or perhaps, deep down, you feel unworthy of such bold requests?

Many of us find ourselves in this place of fear or doubt when it comes to our prayer life. We may be praying, but we’re praying small—safe prayers that don’t fully reflect our trust in a big God.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. If we are afraid to ask for the seemingly impossible, we’re limiting what God can do in our lives.

It’s time to break through that fear and ask boldly, trusting that God is ready and able to show up in big ways.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. 



Click to Post

Small Prayers, Small Faith?

In Philippians 4:6, Paul reminds us not to worry but to pray about everything. Yet, how often do we limit ourselves by holding back? Many of us fear disappointment, thinking,

What if I ask for something huge and God says no?

Others may feel unworthy of receiving large blessings or are afraid to be let down. These fears often keep us praying small prayers, making sure we don’t ask for too much just in case God doesn’t come through.

But Scripture tells us something different. Ephesians 3:20 assures us that:

God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

This verse is a reminder that God is not bound by our limited perspective. He wants us to ask, and to ask big. Yet, when we don’t bring our boldest requests before Him, we miss the chance to witness His greatness.

So, here’s the challenge: If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things?

Fear Keeps Us from Bold Prayers

Fear is a natural emotion, but when it comes to our relationship with God, fear can be crippling.

James 4:2-3 reminds us that sometimes we don’t have because we don’t ask, or we ask with the wrong motives. What keeps us from asking? Fear of rejection, feelings of unworthiness, or even doubt in God’s ability to provide.

However, bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible. It’s not about demanding things from God, but about coming to Him with expectancy and faith.

Bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible.



Click to Post

Take the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She was barren, deeply troubled, and carrying the weight of cultural shame. Yet, in her brokenness, she boldly asked God for a son, and her prayer was not timid or vague. It was specific, faith-filled, and persistent. Despite years of disappointment, Hannah trusted that God could do the impossible—and He did.

Hannah’s bold prayer wasn’t just about her personal desire for a child. Her request played a crucial role in the destiny of Israel, as her son Samuel would go on to anoint Israel’s first kings.

Her willingness to ask for something big was part of God’s bigger plan. Her story is a reminder that our bold prayers can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can see.

Want to dive deeper into this message? Check out the full sermon, "Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains" on YouTube: Watch here.

How to Overcome the Fear of Bold Prayers

So how do we overcome the fear that holds us back from asking for big things? Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Identify Your Fear: Start by reflecting on what specific fears or doubts keep you from asking God for big things. Is it fear of disappointment? Doubt in His goodness? Write it down and confront it head-on.
  2. Ask Specifically: Bold prayers aren’t vague. They’re specific and intentional. Just as Hannah didn’t simply ask for a child—she asked for a son—you can ask for something big in your life, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Be clear about what you need.
  3. Pray Persistently: Bold prayers require persistence. Hannah didn’t give up after her first prayer. She kept coming back to God, trusting Him even when she didn’t see immediate results. Likewise, set aside time daily to bring your requests to God, knowing that He hears you.
  4. Surrender the Outcome: Finally, bold prayers are not about demanding your way but about trusting God's plan. Once you’ve prayed, release the outcome to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. Trust that whatever happens, His response will be in your best interest.

The Power of Bold Prayers

God invites us to ask boldly, and when we do, we step into a deeper relationship with Him. Our fear of asking for big things can be more significant than our faith, but it doesn’t have to be.

Remember, bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.

Take action today: choose one bold prayer that you’ve been afraid to ask, write it down, and commit to bringing it before God daily. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, we serve a God who can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

Let’s stop praying small prayers and start trusting God for big things.

Ready to take your prayer life to the next level? If you’re looking for guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. This resource will help you move past fear and doubt, empowering you to ask God for the big things He’s waiting to give you.

Bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.



Click to Post

A Sure Way To Empower Women

A Sure Way To Empower Women

Is it possible to have a two-day hangover?  I’m here to tell you that IT IS!

What an incredible weekend at Mars Hill as we celebrated Mother’s Day in a very special way.  We kicked off our celebration on Friday with thousands attending our “Women’s Only” Worship Empowerment Service.   We reminded women that they are a “Fragrance of Beauty” and gave gift bags to them as they entered our worship center.

Their gift bags contained the following items:

  1. A Compact mirror – to remind them they’re beautifully created in God’s Image
  2. An Emory board – to remind them how God has the ability to file away the rough edges
  3. A packet of Kleenex – to remind them that God can wipe away every tear

Additionally, the service included:

  1. Women’s Praise Team
  2. Women’s Dance Group
  3. An all Women’s Band
  4. A Woman Sound Engineer, & Camera/ Video Operator

In short, women were empowered to DO IT ALL & had fun doing it!

Yvette Williams gave a powerful testimony that had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats.  1st Lady Shauntai Stowers gave a riveting introduction that literally brought the ladies to their feet (maybe she should’ve gave the message).  I preached “As Is” from John 4 which told the story of The Woman at the Well.  The point of the story is how Jesus accepts our condition “as is.”  We don’t have to cover up, make excuses, or hide behind shame. It was truly an inspiring message.

The evening concluded with prizes given to the woman who had the most guests in attendance. The winner’s prize: Dinner for two with my wife & I.  Shauntai and I are looking forward to this special event.

Here are a few of the many comments I received:

“It was indeed AWESOME, the devil tried to keep me home, but I’m glad I came…”

“AWESOME indeed…had a life-transforming experience”

“Pastor thanks for delivering a message from God that encouraged and ministered to women…that we can meet God just as we are…The women in attendance needed that…”

“Pastor thank you for seeing the need & delivering a dose of medication that was so necessary! I am more empowered today than I was on yesterday.”

“I came to the service expecting & ready to receive and I got WAY MORE!”

In closing, I want to publicly thank our staff & the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time & talents!

A Sure Way To Empower Women

What You See Is Not Always There

I’M BACK! I took a much needed break from blogging to focus on our Easter Weekend Worship Experiences and it was AWESOME!  I just put the finishing touches on my new series: “Supernatural.”

Read on…

What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, “We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…” (Eph 6:12, NLT).  Scripture says, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons that we fight with are not the weapons of the world.”  Though we live in a physical world, there is another world.

The Lord’s Shifting…Are You Spiritually Ready?

There is a spirit world, where there is a war raging.  There is the Kingdom of Light versus the kingdom of darkness.  And when we engage in the spiritual battle, we don’t fight with the weapons of this world.  Tonight during Bible Study I’ll share a preview of my forthcoming series “Supernatural.”

Here’s a brief overview:

Is the third Person of the Trinity a distant Mystery, a vague cosmic Force?

Many believers acknowledge Him as a component of faith – but perhaps not as a reality in their daily spiritual walk.  Yet the Bible is clear: the Holy Spirit is a vital, equal part of God, promised by the father to all Christians

In “Supernatural – Walking in the Spirit,” I’ll reveal the inner workings of the Spirit with simple, straightforward wisdom.  During this series you can better experience this awesome gift of God and learn how the Holy Spirit helps us during this war.

You’ll discover:

Spiritual Warfare
Angels & Demons
What Holiness is – and is Not
Seven Works of the Holy Spirit in Your Life
Three Potentials God Desires You to Develop
How to Remain Full of the Holy Spirit
Four Great Questions to Ask God Everyday

If you are faltering, or easily fall prey to temptation, maybe you’ve forgotten to rely upon the Power of the Holy Spirit and begun to rely only on yourself.  The Christian life is meant to be increasingly dependent on His power working within you.

Are you spiritually prepared for warfare?

A Sure Way To Empower Women

The BEST Book On Decision Making

One of the primary tasks of a leader is to make good decisions.  Good decisions require accurately processed information and technology has made ‘getting’ information easy.  Computers crunch data and give it to us in digestible bits, but the human mind must still analyze that data and make the decisions.  Because King Solomon knew that leaders must make good decisions, he urged them to attain wisdom and mental discipline.

A leader must develop a disciplined and prudent character so that they will do what’s right, just, & fair.  The rub comes when the leader doesn’t know what is just right, and fair.  That’s why Solomon cautioned that ‘inexperienced’ leaders need wisdom.  Proverbs isn’t a decision-making textbook, but this wisdom-packed book is God’s gift to help us make the best decisions possible.

Proverbs 1:1-6 informs us that the proverbs to follow will help the reader develop the mental sharpness needed to process complex information.  Even though technology helps us gather and manipulate information, a sharp mind must still apply solid logic to that information in order to make good decisions.

The proverbs help us to accomplish this goal in a godly manner.  They sharpen the mind and reveal God’s insight to ensure that our decisions may be in sync with his eternal perspective.  Therefore, I encourage to read these verses again, this time including verse 7.  Then study the Book of Proverbs as a foundation for exceptional decisions making.

Question: Have you ever made decisions without consulting God?  If so, what was the outcome?