I have been walking closely with the Lord for 30 years, but even now there are some things that I still struggle with. While I have come a long way, and I am not the person I was many years ago, I long to see some dramatic and lasting changes in certain areas of my life. I was thinking and praying about these things the other day, when the Lord led me to a verse in the book of Job that ministered encouragement to me. It says, "All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes." (Job 14:14 NASB)

This was God's loving way of letting me know that if I would simply keep my eyes on Him, and if I would trust Him to continue to work in my heart and life, that "change" that I am longing for will eventually manifest. The Amplified translation says, "I will wait till my change and release shall come." That word "release" fills me with a fresh sense of hope every time.

I am so grateful that the Bible assures us that God doesn't expect us to live for Him without His help. A promise that I claim every day is Philippians 2:13 (CEV): "God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey Him." Hallelujah! We must always remember that one reason why Jesus went to the cross was so that we could have His Holy Spirit living on the inside of us, once we receive Him as our Lord and Savior. It's His Spirit who will make us "willing and able to obey Him" more and more, as we cooperate with Him on a moment-by-moment basis.

If you are struggling in some area today, don't just wait for your change or release - but wait with expectation and hope. And claim this precious prayer-promise from the Lord - "You keep every promise You've ever made to me! Since Your love for me is constant and endless, I ask You, Lord, to finish every good thing that You've begun in me!" (Psalm 138:8 TPT)

Prayer: Lord, I am so deeply grateful for Your Holy Spirit who dwells on the inside of me. Help me to cooperate with Him at all times, and in every way, so that I can walk closely and joyfully with You throughout each day. Fill me with an ever-increasing love and desire for Your Word, so that I will spend time in it on a regular basis. Thank You that as I look to You and Your plan of victory for me, my change will come - not just for a day, but for all time!