Moving Forward
Every individual has a unique purpose in life. God's plan for them is special and irreplaceable. There are various challenges to pursuing one's dreams to moving forward, such as the passage of time, Satan's accusations, skepticism from friends, opposition from family, or hopelessness due to lack of support.
Week 1: Get Up, Pick Up, and Walk
Read John 5:1-15
The pool at Bethesda is described as a place of weakness, incapacity, and powerlessness, drawing parallels to modern-day experiences of feeling marginalized and excluded.
The importance of understanding Jesus' actions and their significance in the context of the current global crisis.
Jesus is not content to let believers die in a state of powerlessness, but is working to bring them into a place of fulfillment and purpose.
Jesus has the ability to see beyond human limitation to bring healing and transformation so that you can move forward.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for alignment with God’s will and purposes for your life. Ask that the seed of His purpose within you be watered, take root, grow, and bear much fruit.
Pray for the restoration of God’s original blueprint for your life. Declare that the design He had when He created you will be fulfilled. Ask that anything causing your life to veer from His intended path be made straight.
Pray for healing from any condemnation, criticism, or actions that have discouraged you or made you feel disqualified from pursuing your God-given dreams and passions.
Ask the Lord for the drive, tenacity, courage, and discipline to follow the dreams and passions He has placed in your heart.
Pray that as God leads you closer to your purpose, He will position you strategically in places of influence—so that your life may glorify His name.
Week 2: House of Grace
Read John 5:16-30
The meaning of Bethesda: the house of double springs, house of grace, or house of mercy, and its inhabitants are the sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed.
Jesus is drawn to the marginalized and socially isolated, rather than those who are considered valuable in a consumer culture.
Jesus is being interrogated to invalidate and dishonor Him, as He healed on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees believed was a day of rest.
God has been working continuously, even on the Sabbath, and that His work is one of love, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional acceptance so that we can move forward.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for a paradigm shift—a renewal of your mind in how you see yourself, how you view the challenges that come your way, and how you perceive those around you. Ask Holy Spirit to shift your perspective and align your heart and mind to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Jesus knew who He was and the authority He carried. He only did what He saw the Father doing. Pray that you receive divine revelation of who you are and the authority you carry as a son or daughter of the Most-High King. Pray for an intimate relationship with the Father.
Ask Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and ears—to be fully aware of what is happening around you, both naturally and spiritually.
Pray for discernment to recognize the doors of opportunity God is placing in front of you.
Pray that God reveals more of His character to you—His deep love, immense grace, abundant forgiveness, unwavering patience, and unconditional love. Take time to give thanks for all He has done and continues to do.
Declare that every chain of condemnation, accusation, past failures, destructive habits, laziness, and passivity is broken in Jesus’ name.
Declare that doors needing to open will open, and doors that need to close will be shut, according to God’s perfect will (Revelation 3:7).
Week 3: Counting the Cost
Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.”
Many cannot move forward not for a lack of vision, but for a lack of resolve and the willingness to count the cost.
Understand the importance of evaluating the situation and gaining knowledge to fulfill the dream.
There is much more at stake than just achieving something new; it is about us being changed and transformed by God.
PRAYER POINTS:
"Your attitude determines your altitude." Pray for your heart and attitude to be aligned and transformed so that you can rise to the level God has intended for you.
Pray for divine strategy—a clear direction and practical steps to take in the natural to help you pursue and accomplish the dreams God has placed in your heart.
Ask God to reveal anything you need to let go of—habits, distractions, fears, or relationships—that may be holding you back from stepping into your full potential.
Ask the Lord to surround you with godly people—those who will speak wisdom, truth, and encouragement into your life.
Pray for mentors who will help nurture and sharpen your gifts, especially in the areas of your calling and passion.
Lift up a prayer for trustworthy, faith-filled relationships—people you can walk with, grow with, and be accountable to in your journey with God.
Ask for discernment to recognize and reject anything that looks good but is not God’s best. Pray that you won’t settle for less than what He has planned for you.
Week 4: Overcoming Opposition
Setting the heart on the assignment God has given and following through without hesitation. (Philippians 3:12-14)
Consider opposing views prayerfully, and do not ignore the concerns of loved ones. (Proverbs 11:14)
Be careful against staying in a place of false security and missing out on divine opportunities to move forward.
To move forward, holding fast to the vision God has placed in the heart is very much needed.
Note: Friends or families may offer a balanced perspective and sometimes oppose the dream.
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for confirmation of the dreams and passions God has placed in your heart. Ask Him to open the right doors and arrange divine appointments as you step into His purpose.
Pray against stagnation or cycles that drain your energy and willpower. Declare freedom from anything that keeps you stuck.
Pray against derailments or distractions that could cause you to miss God’s appointed timing or opportunities.
Your effort determines your results. There are parts that only God can do, and there are parts He entrusts to us. Pray for clarity and revelation to understand what steps you are responsible for. Ask the Lord for strength, discipline, and perseverance to stay faithful through challenges and setbacks. Pray for a spirit that refuses to give up—trusting that as you do your part, God will surely do His.
Pray that the Lord will ordain your steps (Psalm 37:23). Ask for discernment, confidence, and assurance as He leads you in His perfect will.
