As a Christian, there is a strength that flows from the inner man that can overpower any enemy that comes against us. The source of that power is the Holy Spirit and the power is activated by faith in the Father.
When I was a boy, I remember watching my mom cook with a pressure cooker. She would put it on the stove and heat it until a relief valve on the lid would open and relieve pressure.
The world is a “pressure cooker.” Pressures from bills, sickness, family, and life in general have pushed many to the edge. Sometimes it seems like we can’t take the pressure, so we have to let off a little steam. Life should not be this way.
We were created in the image and likeness of God. We are told in Ephesians 5:1 that we are to be imitators of God. No, we are not to be God, but we are to be like Him.
Well, how is God? Is He stressed from bills? Is He worried about how He will get through the day? No, of course not.
Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a complete description of the nature of God and His personality. The nine characteristics of God are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Bible calls this the fruit of the Spirit. As Christians, God expects us to walk in love and experience fullness of joy. He wants us to live a life of peace and to be in full control of the world around us. He has given us power and authority. We don’t need to beg God for relief. He has already given us the victory.
When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit literally moves inside of our spirit and we become what Jesus called “born again.” By having this born again experience, we are empowered with the source of the power, the Holy Spirit, who can guide us out of the “pressure cooker” and teach us to walk in the peace we have been given.
But how do we activate the power and the authority we have been given? How can we move from the pressures of life to peace? What is the secret? What is the key? Countless self-help books have been written on this subject, but the answer is so simple that most people miss it.
Jesus told His disciples that when a mountain (kingdom) needs to be moved, that we must speak to it. We must exercise our authority over the enemy. We must confidently speak the Word, knowing who we are in Christ.
Jesus said it this way. He said in Mark 11:23, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”
However, Jesus qualifies this powerful statement in the previous verse. He said, “Have faith in God.” That means, we must believe what God says more than what we see. We must believe what His Word says more that what the world says.
The world says, “You can’t make it and you will fail.”
God’s Word says, “No weapon formed against you will prosper.’
God’s Word says, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”
God’s Word says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
God’s Word says, “Because you believe, all things are possible.”
God’s Word says, “My faith in Him has overcome the world.”
So, when the pressures of life seem unbearable, have faith in God. He loves you. He sent His Son to die for you. He raised Him from the dead so you could have eternal life with Him. He will never leave you. If it seems like God is not with you, remember this. God is not the one who moved.
Repent, submit, and obey. Have faith in God and prepare for your victory.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.