Violence that can Explode the Impossible

Ephesians 6:18

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,…

The last several weeks I have written blogs on the Armor of God and studying prayer is a fitting way to end this blog series on the Armor of God.

The Lord has given us as believers the power to overcome evil, to build up and spur one another on to greatness and victory! We do not have to walk around hopeless, but hopeful. We are His royal priesthood. Know who you are and the authority you have in Jesus. Prayer will not only loose Heaven’s provision in your life and marriage, it will loose Heaven’s abundance into your life and marriage.

Years ago I read a book that was written by Jack Hayford on prayer, I must have loaned it out because it is no longer in my bookcase. If memory serves me correct this was a short book that packed a punch in efforts to wake up the believer in regards to the power of prayer.  I wrote down a few statements from this book this one being my favorite: 

“The kingdom of heaven which Jesus set up as a powerful movement or reign among men (suffers violence) requires of them an equally strong and radical reaction.  The violent then who take it by force are people of keen enthusiasm and commitment who are willing to respond to and propagate with radical abandonment the message and dynamic of God’s reign.”

In my walk with the Lord I determined a long time ago if there is anything that I am going to be passionately radical about it is prayer. Even as a very young girl I remember kneeling by my bed storming the “Gates of Heaven” as some would call it.  As the years have pasted and I have grown older I cannot relent or give up regardless of what my natural eyes may or may not see.  Something within me spurs me on to believe pray is; Violence that can Explode the Impossible (Jack Hayford)!

Matthew 11:12 (NKJV) says;  "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

(NIV) MT. 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

971. biazo, bee-ad'-zo; from G970; to force, i.e. (reflex.) to crowd oneself (into), or (pass.) to be seized:--press, suffer violence.

Violent:  physical force or activity used to cause harm, damage, or abuse, exhibiting intense emotional or mental excitement: passionate intensity “heat” (Webster Dictionary).

Force:  to compel to do something or to act, to obtain  by coercion; to bring forth, as with effort; to move or drive against resistance; to break down by force; to press or impose; as one’s will.  Strong-effective-powerful-vigorous (Webster Dictionary).

We are to follow the example of Jesus and that includes the example of how Jesus prayed.  Jesus exhibited passion when he prayed and His heart was revealed as He prayed.

Hebrews 5:7-9 (NKJV)  who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

Vehement or strong:  2478. ischuros, is-khoo-ros'; from G2479; forcible (lit. or fig.):--boisterous, mighty (-ier), powerful, strong (-er, man), valiant.

Cries:  G2906/G296 outcry, tumult, grief, clamour, cry

John 11:33-36 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

Wept:  burst into sudden tears, then silently wept, wailing, heaving of the bosom-and the cry of a soul in agony.

Groaned: to utter a deep prolonged sound of disapproval or pain.  G1690/G1722 to snort with anger, murmur against

Troubled:  G5015 to stir or agitate

There are times in our lives when we just do not know what words to pray and there are no words that we could possible formulate from our mouth that seem adequate for the intensity of the situation. That is when we can allow the Holy Spirit to move within us and pray through us.

Romans 8:26-27(ESV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

We have a promise and rested assured, the Lord always keeps His promises.

Acts 2:38-39(ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 

Acts 2:1-4(ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.  And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Think of Prayer as: violence that can explode the impossible!