The Power of Elimination in Faith

Prayer isn't just about asking God for things - it's about getting results. But what separates prayers that get answered from those that don't? The key lies in understanding a powerful principle: what you're willing to let go of determines what you're able to take hold of.

Why Elimination is Essential for Spiritual Growth

Think about it this way: when you shop at a grocery store, as you add items to your cart, you take money out of your wallet. The same principle applies to spiritual growth. You cannot add value to your marriage without first eliminating something that's holding it back. When you gain understanding, you eliminate ignorance.

This principle of elimination being reciprocal to accumulation is fundamental to developing the kind of faith that gets results when we pray.

What Makes Prayer Effective?

Faith is the Key to Authorization

Faith is what authorizes God's power in our lives. It's the difference between viewing something online and actually ordering it. When you browse Amazon, you're interested and hoping. But when you place an order, your hope becomes transactional - it's working.

According to Hebrews 11:1-3, "Faith is the assurance, title deed, confirmation of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." A prayer of faith doesn't just hope - it places the order with Heaven's unlimited supply.

Understanding God's Grace in Prayer

Religious thinking often emphasizes earning God's approval to merit answered prayers. But Romans 8:32 reveals a different truth: "He who did not withhold or spare even His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all other things?"

God gives freely and graciously - not because we've earned it, but because of His love. However, this doesn't eliminate our need to ask and receive persistently.

Why Don't More People Get Results When They Pray?

We Don't Always Know What's Actually Good for Us

Happy doesn't always equal good. You might feel happy eating six donuts, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Similarly, what we think will make us happy in prayer might not align with what God knows is truly best.

As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "Eye has not seen nor ear has heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." God holds the patent on good - it's a kingdom trade secret.

The Power That Works Within You

Ephesians 3:20 tells us God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." Notice the condition - it's according to the power working within you.

This power is faith. Jesus often said to people He healed, "Your faith has made you whole" or "According to your faith, be it done unto you." Faith is the supernatural force that gives God's goodness access to your life.

Does God Play Favorites?

Romans 2:11 clearly states, "God shows no partiality." He doesn't differentiate between rich or poor, young or old, male or female, or any race. Faith is the differential - it's what makes the difference.

You can be a legitimate heir and not experience what's yours. You can own land you never visit or have medicine you refuse to take. The Hebrew nation couldn't enter the Promised Land for one reason: unbelief. God cannot work where He's not believed.

How to Eliminate What Blocks Your Faith

Renewing Your Mind with God's Word

Romans 12:2 instructs us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The more you study God's word, the more you believe it, automatically placing less value on your own opinions and understanding.

Spiritual Warfare Against Strongholds

Sometimes deeply rooted doubts and unbeliefs create strongholds that short-circuit faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 gives us weapons "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God."

The Tool of Fasting

Fasting is a powerful tool to bring focused heat to your faith. But it's crucial to understand that fasting doesn't please God in itself - faith does. If fasting becomes about showing off your sacrifice, you've cut off your faith through wrong motives.

Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-18 that when you fast, don't make it obvious to others. Fast to focus your spirit on God, not to indulge your ego. It's about saying no to your appetite so you can focus entirely on God's word and preparation.

Praying Without Ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing." This doesn't mean vain repetitions, but keeping your vision in front of you. Write down your prayer requests, keep verses on your fridge or bathroom mirror, and keep thanking God for the answer even when you don't see it yet.

Like driving to a destination, you don't take your foot off the accelerator until you arrive. Don't stop hoping until you've received what you're aiming your faith toward.

Life Application

This week, identify one thing in your life that you need to eliminate in order to make room for what God wants to give you. It might be a habit, an attitude, a relationship, or even something good that's preventing something better.

Practice the principle of elimination leading to accumulation by choosing to fast from something - whether it's food, social media, or entertainment - and use that time to focus on God's word and prayer instead.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What am I holding onto that might be preventing me from receiving God's best? 
• Am I praying with faith that places orders with Heaven, or just hoping and wishing?
• What strongholds of doubt or unbelief do I need to tear down through spiritual warfare?
• How can I better align my prayers with God's will rather than just my own desires?

Remember, the world is depending on believers who know how to pray with results. Your faith-filled prayers don't just impact your life - they bring Heaven's solutions to earth's problems.

-Dr. Stephen Marshall