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March 02, 2009

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The Power of Prayer
Tanya James

Recently I found myself very disappointed in someone I considered a good friend. They did something to me that I felt (and still feel) was totally unacceptable and it was hard for me to swallow. I knew that I needed to forgive them and let it go but I just couldn't wrap my head around it at the time.

Not wanting to hold a grudge, I began to quote any and every scripture I could remember (and maybe a few I made up) on forgiveness. But it seemed the moment I stopped quoting scripture, I got mad all over again.

Throughout that week, I kept rehearsing what happened and when I shared it with my husband and my sister, I got even angrier - it was like every time I told the story, the fire was being fueled. So I decided that I needed to stop talking about it because that was not helping the situation.

I'm sure you have all been there before ...maybe it wasn't a friend, perhaps it was a sibling, a co-worker, a neighbor or even someone at church. Whoever it was, they crossed you in some form or fashion and raised your blood pressure. You found yourself on this never ending cycle of anger because you couldn't quite let it go.

In time, I realized that forgiveness is very hard in our own power ... and at some point, I cleared my head and took it to God in prayer ...and yet again, God amazed me with his ability to bring an inner peace in the midst of any situation.

Prayer is by far the greatest weapon we have. Prayer causes you to change your perspective on things.

While in prayer, God reminded me of the many times I had turned my back on Him. The many times I had disappointed Him. Yet, not once has He held back his forgiveness towards me.

He also reminded me that no one except Him is flawless, so I must not put people on a pedestal or expect them to never let me down. Yes, we expect certain things like respect from our friends, however at some point, we have probably all disrespected someone we cared about. How is it that we expect people to always be willing to forgive us but when the tables are turned - watch out!

Through prayer, I realized it was alright for me to be hurt by the situation, but it wasn't alright for me to dwell there. God healed my wounds and gave me the courage to step back out and not allow this situation to dictate my mood, attitude or behavior towards the person who offended me.

There is something to be said about the power of prayer ... next time I won't wait so long to use it!

Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz or www.themasterplan.biz.

*Tanya James is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

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Comments:

WOW! Thanks Tanya,
So often we want to take matters in our own hand. The POWER OF PRAYER..... is awsome. It the WORD OF GOD thru pray that will get us to the other side everytime.
Remember we're OVERCOMERS BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB!!! Again thanks.
apostlegholston9@yahoo.com

posted by Apostle Nell @ Friday, May 01, 2009

Thank you for this article. I have been dealing with this very issue.

Katherine

posted by twhen2 @ Sunday, March 01, 2009

Yes. Forgiveness is a must. Unforgiveness hurts and hinders the one who is unforgiving much more than the one we are trying to forgive.

It is also good to remember that forgiveness and trust are two separate issues. Trust must be earned and demonstrated over time. Forgiveness - God can work that in one's heart instantly. Some people get confused and think that they haven't forgiven since they are struggling with trusting again.

posted by mroyalty @ Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thank you for this word of prayer. I have just went through a situation as this. You are right it is a matter for God and not others. Again Thanks for these words of encouragement and wisdom Amen.

posted by Wisdom_knowledge @ Thursday, February 26, 2009

God forgives us when we repent. He does not forgive until we do so. He does not ask us to do what He Himself doesn't do!

We may have to "let it go" or "release the anger" in order not to stew about it, but that is not forgiveness. We are not required to forgive unless there is repentance. That is how God set it up.

posted by FEEDPOOR @ Thursday, February 26, 2009

This is so true! I'm experiencing the same thing right now! Thanks so much for your article. Eventhough, I know the truth sometimes we have to be reminded that if God be for us, who can be against us! I'm encouraged even the more to rely on His word and to do my part in the healing and "getting completely over it" process. Thanks again!

posted by shelprospers @ Thursday, February 26, 2009

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