by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 14, 2025 | Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals
Choices That Define Us
Imagine standing at a crossroads, faced with two career opportunities.
Both seem promising at first glance, but they hold vastly different potential for your future. One leads to sustainable growth, offering stability and opportunities to build upon, while the other, despite its initial appeal, may lack the foundation needed for long-term viability. The distinction lies in the planning and strategy invested in each choice, setting the stage for either enduring success or future challenges.
This concept resonates in various aspects of life. Recognizing how daily decisions shape our journey empowers us to approach each moment with intention. Whether it's career moves, building relationships, or personal growth, the choices we make today lay the groundwork for tomorrow's success.
To make the most of this understanding, let’s focus on how everyday actions build momentum for long-term achievements.
The Power of Daily Decisions
Every day, we face countless choices that determine how we allocate our time, energy, and focus. These seemingly small decisions accumulate over time, shaping both immediate outcomes and long-term growth. It’s essential to examine how habits influence our path and set us up for meaningful progress.
Key Insight 1: "The Ways You Let In Become The Ways You're Set In"
Life-Changing Question: How do the habits you practice today align with the person you want to become in the future?
Picture your future self a year from now. Are you closer to your goals, or have you drifted further away? Our habits define our trajectory. Small, consistent actions create lasting change.
- Take Stock: Reflect on whether your daily habits align with your long-term goals. Are you prioritizing what matters most?
- Eliminate Distractions: Focus on actions that create meaningful progress instead of getting caught up in busyness.
- Adopt Incremental Growth: Many people overestimate short-term results but underestimate the impact of consistent, small steps over time.
Consider This: What habits can you introduce today to create a stronger, more focused future?
Try This: Commit to one new habit this week, such as reading for 10 minutes daily, exercising, or practicing mindfulness.
The habits you cultivate form the backbone of your daily life, but time is the resource that determines how effectively these habits take root. This leads us to explore how we can make time our ally rather than our adversary.
Key Insight 2: "Time Isn’t On Your Side, But It Can Work For You"
Life-Changing Question: How can you make better use of your time to align with your most important goals?
Time often feels elusive, slipping through our grasp as we juggle competing priorities. Yet, when used strategically, it becomes one of our most valuable assets for building the future we desire.
Embrace the Brevity of Life
Time is finite, but by acknowledging its limits, we can make choices that align with what truly matters.
- Prioritize What Matters: Focus on activities and relationships that reflect your values and goals.
- Avoid Procrastination: Take small, consistent steps forward instead of waiting for the perfect moment.
- Invest in Long-Term Benefits: Favor actions that yield enduring rewards over immediate gratification.
Consider This: Are you spending your time on what truly matters, or are distractions taking over?
Try This: Review your schedule and identify one area to realign with your priorities this week.
As you refine how you use time, the next step is to align your choices with transformative goals, ensuring they lead to meaningful change.
Key Insight 3: "Your Life Changes When Your Choices Do"
Life-Changing Question: What small, intentional choice can you make today to bring about meaningful change in your life?
Meaningful change starts with deliberate decisions that compound over time. Every choice—no matter how small—builds the structure of your future.
Small Choices, Big Impact
Your daily decisions are the building blocks of a life aligned with your goals and values.
- Shift Your Mindset: Channel energy into what you can control instead of dwelling on limitations.
- Reframe Challenges: See obstacles as opportunities to adapt and grow.
- Create Accountability: Share your goals with someone who can support and encourage you.
Consider This: What is one decision you can make today to move closer to your goals?
Try This: Set a micro-goal this week, such as taking a daily walk, writing a journal entry, or organizing a small space.
With these insights in mind, let’s explore actionable strategies to solidify a strong foundation for a fulfilling future.
Practical Tips for a Stronger Future
Consistency, not perfection, is the key to building a resilient life. Here are strategies to guide your journey:
- Focus on Growth: Learn something new each month, whether it’s a skill, hobby, or perspective.
- Cultivate Relationships: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being through rest and activity.
- Embrace Adaptability: Develop the flexibility to navigate life’s unpredictability.
- Set Goals: Write down your objectives and revisit them regularly to stay on track.
By implementing these practical tips, you lay a foundation for success. Let’s conclude by bringing everything together with a challenge to take your efforts to the next level.
Final Challenge
Success isn’t about sudden breakthroughs; it’s about the steady application of consistent effort. The foundation you establish today determines the opportunities and resilience you’ll experience tomorrow.
Conclusion: Your Next Step Forward
The journey to shaping your future begins with the choices you make today. Small, consistent actions accumulate into significant transformations over time. Reflect on what matters most to you, manage your time wisely, and commit to practical strategies that align with your vision.
Choose one actionable step from this post—a habit to adopt, a distraction to eliminate, or a goal to pursue. Take the first step today, and remember, progress is made one step at a time.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 10, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Goals, Leadership
By the next decade, the most successful companies will not be the most agile but rather those that adopt a strategic waiting game.
Netflix exemplifies this strategy, having waited nine years before launching its streaming service. Founded in 1997, Netflix introduced streaming in January 2007. During this period of anticipation, the company did not remain idle. Instead, it diligently built a thriving DVD-by-mail business, achieving milestones such as reaching 1 million subscribers by 2003 and delivering its billionth DVD by 2007.
Waiting can feel like a punishment in today’s fast-paced, results-driven world. Deadlines loom, competitors move ahead, and opportunities slip by while we’re neutral. But what if the waiting isn’t wasted time? What if it’s the most valuable season for growth and preparation?
Everyone, at some point, faces seasons where progress feels stalled.
Whether you’re a leader navigating a career plateau or someone waiting for a personal breakthrough, these moments are rarely as idle as they appear. Waiting can be the most valuable time to recalibrate, build resilience, and prepare for future opportunities. Here’s how anyone—leaders and individuals alike—can embrace these seasons and discover that the wait is worth it.
Understanding this can help frame waiting as an asset rather than a hindrance.
The Struggle: Waiting in a Results-Driven World
At a time in my career, everything felt like it was on hold. I worked hard, strategized, and executed plans precisely, but nothing seemed to move forward. Watching peers step into opportunities while I remained limbo left me questioning my direction and progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you know the frustration of asking, “Why isn’t anything happening?”
Many equate constant activity with success. Yet, the most impactful growth usually comes during moments of pause—when we take time to reflect, reassess, and realign.
This transition from frustration to clarity starts with a shift in mindset.
The Breakthrough: Recognizing the Purpose in the Pause
The key to overcoming the frustration of waiting is shifting your perspective. Instead of viewing delays as setbacks, see them as preparation. Waiting isn’t about inactivity; it’s about alignment. Behind the scenes, resources are positioned, relationships are cultivated, and you are refined for what’s next.
Take a moment to reflect:
What if your current waiting season is part of a more significant strategy? What if the delay is setting you up for a more substantial win?
Such moments offer a rare chance to gain perspective, revealing the opportunities hidden within the pause.
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is nothing at all.
For high achievers, doing nothing feels counterproductive.
But waiting is not passive; it’s about active trust. It’s believing that progress is being made even when it’s not immediately visible.
High performers often see "doing nothing" as a waste of time, but reframing it as "strategic patience" changes the perspective. This time is ripe for inner work, such as strengthening mental agility, honing decision-making skills, and exploring creative solutions for future challenges.
The Growth Mindset: Use this time to develop patience and resilience. Waiting can feel like wasted time, but it’s often where the most significant internal growth happens.
Leverage the Pause: Consider this an opportunity to evaluate long-term goals and assess the alignment of your actions with your vision. Is the path you’re on the right one?
Reflection: Consider how previous waiting seasons led to better outcomes than if you had rushed.
Action Step: Reflect on this question: What is this season of waiting teaching me? Journal your thoughts, identify skills you can improve, or discuss them with a mentor.
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Progress is often invisible before it becomes evident.
Consider a seed buried in the ground—though unseen, it’s growing roots, preparing to break through the surface.
Trust that unseen work is happening. Remember that preparation takes time, whether you’re waiting on a promotion, a personal breakthrough, or clarity for your next steps.
Patience during these times often translates into deeper readiness and stronger outcomes.
Practical Perspective: Consider industries where long-term preparation is key—like product development or market expansion—and apply that mindset to your growth.
Action Step: Write down an area in your life or work where you feel delayed. Then, list potential ways this season might prepare you for a breakthrough.
Timing isn’t about speed; it’s about alignment.
Have you ever felt rushed to meet a deadline only to realize it wasn’t as urgent as it seemed?
Often, our perception of time is misaligned with what’s truly needed. Great leaders know that opportunities taken too soon can overwhelm them, while those embraced at the right time align perfectly with growth and capacity.
For leaders, this means letting go of the urge to force progress and focusing on readiness and strategic alignment.
- Key Insight: Timing isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about creating long-term value.
- Action Step: Determine how your circumstances might position you for future success.
What you do while you wait determines what you see when it’s over.
Waiting isn’t about sitting still; it’s about preparation. Use this time to:
- Trust the Process: Believe that waiting is part of the journey. Trust builds resilience and reduces unnecessary stress. Use this time to reflect on past successes that emerged after waiting and how they prepared you for greater challenges.
- Sharpen Your Skills: Develop new competencies that position you for future opportunities. Whether it’s learning a new technology, refining your communication abilities, or mastering leadership techniques, this is your chance to upskill and add value to your personal and professional toolkit.
- Strengthen Relationships: Invest in your network—mentors, peers, and team members—to build a support system that enhances your effectiveness. Use this season to foster stronger connections through meaningful conversations, collaboration, and mentorship.
- Expand Your Vision: Take this time to explore new perspectives or industries that might complement your existing goals. Expanding your understanding can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
- Action Step: Choose one area to focus on during your waiting season, whether it’s personal growth, skill development, strengthening your team, or broadening your horizons. Outline specific actions and track your progress regularly to stay motivated.
Why Waiting is Strategic
The marketplace values speed, but strategic leaders understand the power of timing. Waiting can offer opportunities to strengthen your position, refine your vision, and make choices that yield long-term rewards. Here’s why waiting can be a competitive advantage:
- Better Decisions: Rushed decisions often lead to costly mistakes. Waiting allows for thoughtful consideration, thorough analysis, and input from trusted advisors, resulting in more effective outcomes.
- Enhanced Strategic Planning: Use waiting periods to revisit your goals and recalibrate your strategies. This intentional pause can reveal gaps or opportunities you might have missed in a rush.
- Increased Readiness: When the opportunity comes, you’ll be fully prepared to seize it. Preparation during waiting ensures that you enter each new phase with confidence and competence.
- Long-Term Impact: Immediate results are fleeting; well-timed actions create lasting change and sustainability. Leaders who understand this shift from speed to strategy ultimately build stronger foundations for success.
- Strengthened Relationships: Waiting provides the time to nurture key professional relationships and build trust within your network, which can become invaluable assets when opportunities arise.
Closing Thoughts: The Wait Was Worth It
When the opportunity comes to fruition, you’ll realize that the waiting wasn’t wasted—it was necessary. Your waiting season wasn’t about stalling; it was about preparation. Those who embrace waiting as part of their journey find that the most significant wins come not from rushing but from readiness.
As marketplace leaders, remember this: Timing isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about creating impact. Trust the process, embrace the waiting, and prepare for the moment when the right time comes.
Ultimately, waiting becomes not a barrier but a bridge to sustained success and meaningful impact.
This week, take intentional steps to shift your perspective on waiting. Reflect on the areas where you’re being prepared and commit to making the most of this season. In the end, you’ll look back and say the wait was worth it.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 28, 2024 | Decisions, Empowerment, Motivation, Prayer
We've all been there - that moment when we know something isn't quite right, but we push the feeling aside.
Maybe it's a relationship that's slowly draining us, a job that's lost its spark, or a nagging health concern we're trying to ignore. Like walking through a familiar room with our eyes half-closed, we navigate these situations aware of the truth but choosing not to fully face it.
This fascinating human tendency - to see yet not see - can shape the course of our lives in profound ways.
The Paradox of Selective Vision
Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them. Think about that friendship that once brought joy but now leaves you feeling empty, or the career that's slowly dimming your inner light. Your mind registers these signs - the constant negativity from a friend, the Monday morning dread that extends into every other day - but something holds you back from acknowledging their full weight.
This selective vision isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it's a complex dance between awareness and denial. We see the truth in fragments, accepting it piece by piece, like slowly adjusting to light in a dark room. The challenge isn't in seeing the signs - they're often crystal clear. The real struggle lies in gathering the courage to act on what we already know.
Samson's Story: A Tale of Ignored Warnings
The biblical account of Samson provides a powerful illustration of this human tendency. Here was a man of legendary strength, chosen by God for a specific purpose, yet he repeatedly ignored clear warning signs in his relationship with Delilah. The name "Delilah" itself meant "to weaken" or "to exhaust" in Hebrew - a warning sign hidden in plain sight.
Samson's story unfolds in Gaza, a Philistine stronghold where archaeological evidence confirms the historical context of this cautionary tale. Despite his incredible physical strength, Samson's inability to heed warning signs led to his capture and imprisonment. His journey reminds us that even our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.
Breaking the Cycle of Avoidance
Recognizing that we're ignoring warning signs is the first step, but how do we move from awareness to action? The key lies in understanding that avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging. Here are practical steps to break this cycle:
- Ask for Clarity: Instead of rushing to conclusions or avoiding thoughts altogether, take time to seek genuine understanding of your situation.
- Seek Wise Counsel: Share your concerns with trusted friends or mentors who can offer objective perspectives and support.
- Trust Your Instincts: Those initial feelings of unease often contain valuable wisdom. Rather than dismissing them, explore what they might be telling you.
- Take Small Steps: You don't have to solve everything at once. Start with small actions that acknowledge the reality you've been avoiding.
Finding Courage in Vulnerability
Opening our eyes to uncomfortable truths requires courage, but it also offers freedom.
When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities. This vulnerability, though frightening, becomes the foundation for authentic growth and positive change.
Remember, seeing the truth doesn't mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you've been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.
Conclusion
The choice to see clearly isn't always easy, but it's invariably worth making.
Like Samson, we all have areas where we might be choosing selective vision, hoping things will somehow work out on their own. Yet true peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom. The signs we need are often already there - we just need to choose to see them.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Take a moment this week to reflect on areas in your life where you might be choosing not to see. Choose one situation that's been nagging at you, and write down the warning signs you've noticed but perhaps been avoiding. Then, take one small, concrete step toward addressing it - whether that's having a difficult conversation, seeking professional advice, or simply acknowledging the truth to yourself. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.
Want to Go Deeper?
- Watch the full message on YouTube. Dive into a deeper exploration of this topic and gain additional insights about recognizing and responding to life's warning signs.
- Grab a copy of Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation:
Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and develop a deeper connection with God's guidance. - Check out my Podcast: Join me for weekly discussions about leadership, faith, and personal growth.
Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can support you in taking these important steps toward positive change. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens when we stop choosing not to see and start embracing the truth that leads to transformation.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 21, 2024 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Encouragement, Excellence, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Spiritual Growth
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles
We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.
This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.
Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.
You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”
But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.
Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.
Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity
When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,
We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.
When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.
For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.
Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.
Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.
We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.
Pressure Produces Power
We’ve all heard the saying,
God won’t give you more than you can handle.
But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.
This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.
The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.
Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.
Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.
Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.
When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.
God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation
One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.
The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.
When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.
Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.
That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.
Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.
After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.
What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.
Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.
Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan
At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.
But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.
Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.
In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.
He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.
So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.
The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.
Next Steps
- If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
- Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
- And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there!
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McCook, IL 60525
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 1, 2024 | Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Empowerment, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Prayer, Self-Leadership
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 14, 2024 | Empowerment, Christian, Christianity, Decisions, Encouragement, Goals, Motivation, Self-Leadership, Success
“I feel it is better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” E.M. Bounds
If you were to open any dictionary and look up “Godly Woman”, I’m willing to suggest that my mother, Margaret Stowers’ picture would accompany the definition.
Why would I say this? Well, she understood the wisdom of “firsts”, giving God the first of everything – in all areas of life. My mother believed in giving God the first hour of the day, the first day of the week, and the first dime of every dollar.
My Mom Gave God The First Hour of the Day
My mom believed that the bridge to success is better crossed in the morning, the best part of uninterrupted time. This was her time to talk to God through prayer, read and reflect on Scripture, and listen to God’s voice.
That’s right, the wife of a pastor didn’t read the newspaper, talk on the phone, or turn on the television. She would wake up, shower, make coffee, and spend the first hour of her day with God.
Today, my mother is no longer with us, she’s with God. But, even today, one of my clearest memories of her is her morning rhythm. Years later, as I reflect, her example inspires me to form a similar habit and make it a part off my daily rhythm.
If you’re thinking you can just as easily connect with God any time of the day, you’re right, you could. You could connect at noon, in the afternoon, or before you go to bed. But, nothing puts an exclamation point on the day like giving God the first hour of our day.
My Mom Gave God The First Day of the Week
Along with giving God the first hour of her day, my mom also believed in and practiced giving back to God the first day of each week. She went to church! Attending wasn’t optional, it was a priority in the Stowers household. Unfortunately, Sunday is now an extension of the weekend and we can hardly distinguish it from Saturday.
Church attendance is declining and it’s a trend that’s not going away. It’s accelerating. Leadership coach and blogger Carey Neiuwhof writes extensively on church trends and attendance and lists 10 Reasons Even Committed Church Members Are Attending Less. Topping Carey’s list is:
1) Greater Affluence – money gives people options,
2) Higher Focus on Children’s Activities – more kids are playing sports and doing it on Sunday, and
3) Blended Parent Families – when custody is shared in a family situation, ‘perfect’ attendance for a kid or teen might be 26 Sundays a year.
You can read the rest of Carey’s post here.
