For the last five years in my church, our pastor kept saying, “We’re looking to God for something new in our church.” He didn’t know what it was going to be, but he kept believing and saying, “God wants to do something new.”

Year after year went by, but nothing seemed to be happening. In the end, some people got frustrated, and said, ’Why does he keep saying that? Nothing new is happening at all!” It was a difficult time.

But you know what? Just this past year, new things have begun in our church. Exciting changes are taking place! God is doing moving and we’re thrilled! Our pastor was right! Things are changing! But, even before we could see the changes, our Pastor didn’t turn from the vision God had given him.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.” The Lord wants you and I to dream great dreams for reaching our world. But we need to be patient as we wait on Him, pray, and seek His face.

Remember, God’s timing is perfect. When He takes you through a season of waiting, He’s preparing you. And when He’s ready, watch out! Because the floodgates of heaven will open as you see your evangelistic dreams accomplished to God’s glory!

Have you been praying for years that a loved one would believe in Jesus Christ? Does it seem like your prayers aren’t doing any good? Let me encourage you today – don’t give up!

Recently, a very famous man made a decision for the Lord. I’m sure you’ve heard of him – his name was Robert “Evel” Knievel. He was a daredevil. He’d get on a motorbike and jump over anything. But Mr. Knievel was also into women, drinking, and partying.

Robert Knievel shared his conversion story with a church. He said he had refused God for 68 years, but he knew people were praying for him – especially his daughter’s church. Hundreds of people had also written to him, telling him about the Lord.

So prayers were going up for this guy all over, and yet it still took years for Robert to believe in Jesus Christ. But it did happen! He told the church, “I felt Jesus reach out to me, and I repented and I believed in Christ.”

A year later, Mr. Kneievel passed away. And now he’s in the presence of the Lord! Romans 12:12 reminds us: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” So keep praying! Never underestimate the power of God to work through your prayers in miraculous ways!

My wife Pat often quotes the saying, “Only one life ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I like that. Our lives will fly by faster than we expect. The apostle Paul reminds us of that when he says “you are a mist that appears for a while and then vanishes.” So what are we doing to make a difference for eternity?

I’ve met many believers who reflect the outward signs of committed Christians. They’re involved in their churches. They love the Bible. Still, they seem to be stalled in their Christian walk. They’re not growing in their faith, they’re not joyful and they’re not filled with the Holy Spirit.

It’s so sad because they’re passing up opportunities to share their faith! So, how do we followers of Christ re-kindle the passion that first brought us to Him?

The answer is to get back to the basics. Re-surrender and welcome Christ back into your heart. Pray and worship. Read and meditate on your Bible. Share your faith with someone who needs to know Jesus. As you watch the Lord work, you’ll discover a new enthusiasm for the things of God.

Some years ago I was visiting a church where a successful Christian businessman was telling his story to the congregation. “As a young man,” he said, “I answered an altar call to follow Christ and I surrendered all. I accepted Christ into my life and gave Him everything!” From somewhere in the back of the church a voice rang out – “I dare you to do it again!”

Many of us, when we were young, surrendered all to the Lord. It seemed easy to do when all we owned was a few pairs of jeans and a beat up car. Maybe that’s why God often uses young people – because young men and women are more willing to give everything to the Lord.

Today, listen to God’s voice: is He challenging you once again to surrender all to Him? Don’t hold back! Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

I pray that you will hear God’s call to re-surrender and re-commit your lives to His service. Once you do, you’ll experience a renewal of your spiritual passion that will strengthen you as you reach out to others with the Good News. When you surrender yourself 100% to proclaiming the way of salvation, God can use you in a big way.