The Gutsy Girl’s Guide to PrayerSample

Let Nothing Separate

John authored the letter of 1 John so that we might believe in the Son of God. All of his writings are designed to point us to Jesus so that we can be certain of eternal life. He wants us to know that with Christ, our life can be wonderful and abundant even as we navigate its choppy waters at times.

Along with that promise comes the assurance of His love. The truth is that we can’t be loved anymore or any less than we are right now. We can have confidence in who God is and who we are to Him, and this confidence helps to quiet that pesky doubt that often makes us second-guess our security and value in Him.

But when our standing with Him hasn’t been settled in our hearts, we may feel a sense of anxiety that has a way of washing away our confidence, creating waves of fear. Even though we’re told over 360 times in the Bible not to be afraid, we are. We let fear shut us down and make us ineffective in our calling. We let it make us feel small and insignificant. We forget about the abundant life Jesus’ death on the cross has afforded us. Fear weakens our faith, causing us to feel ashamed. And worst of all, we stop talking to God and decide to go about each day in our own strength and understanding.

Friend, be careful that you let nothing separate you from the Father. When feelings of fear or shame come flooding in, they should serve as a huge red flag. If we desire to be gutsy girls who love God with all our hearts, we need to stay close to Him no matter what. That means as we feel the wedge beginning to grow, we go straight to the Lord in prayer and talk about it.

Let’s share our feelings boldly because He is listening. Let’s pray with hopeful, thankful hearts. And as we confess, let’s ask God to remove the barriers that sin has erected. We can be certain He will because this request always lines up with His will.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me stay close to you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.