Why does this matter for your prayer life? Because until you’re absolutely convinced that God is a good God and that he never does bad in your life, your prayers are going to be powerless and passionless and pointless.

On the other hand, when you understand that, no matter how you feel and no matter what your life looks like, God is for you and not against you; that he is a good God and he wants what’s best for you, even more than you want it yourself; and that he knows what will make you happy more than you—when these truths become the foundation of all your prayers, then your prayers become powerful and passionate and purposeful.

Nothing’s more important in your life than learning how to pray effectively. It’s the way you tap into God’s power, God’s presence, God’s peace, God’s purpose, and God’s plan.

So, what do you want to see God do in your life? What big things do you want to ask of him, believing in his good purpose for you? With God’s goodness as your foundation, what do you expectantly hope he will accomplish in you and in the work of your hands?

Because God is a good God, he loves to bring good out of bad. Anybody can bring good out of good. Only God brings good out of the bad.

Romans 5:3 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (NLT). You can be happy even in the middle of pressure and trials and troubles and tribulation. Why? Notice the phrase “for we know.” Happiness in life depends on what you know, not what you go through. You can put two people through the same circumstances, and one of them can be happy while the other is devastated. Why? Because it’s what you know that makes a difference.

God’s much more interested in your character than your comfort. He wants you to grow more like him while you’re here on Earth because the only thing you’re taking to heaven is you. How does he do it? Through all these problems and trials that you face. You can know in the midst of them that he is developing patient endurance in you, and he will use your suffering for your good and the good of others.

Have you trusted Jesus for your salvation?

The Bible says we can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. And we don’t have to earn God’s love or work our way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe that you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say that salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life.

“Jesus, I want to relax in your love. Thank you that I don’t have to earn it or work for it. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.