Make no mistake about it. . .if God promises us something. . .makes a covenant with us. . .it’s going to happen . . . unless we ignore His instructions or give up or give in first.

Our circumstances don’t matter. . .the problems that we’re currently facing don’t matter. . . but our obedience to His Word definitely matters..

Having said that. . .let me tell you there are going to be times when you wonder what’s going on. . .simply because you may not be able to perceive that God is working in and through your life to manifest His precious promises.

During these times. . .it’s critical to understand there is definitely an enemy waiting in the shadows hoping to knock you off course. . .frustrate you. . .so you NEVER manifest God’s promises.

God miraculously delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage.  His promises were confirmed through signs and wonders and finally the persistence paid off and the children of Israel were marching out of tyranny into freedom. . .destined for the Promised Land as His promises were manifested.

The children of Israel encountered some adversity in their journey to freedom and abundance.  They may have felt dismayed but nothing they did altered the promises of God.  His goal was the same as in the beginning. 

They may have wondered. They may have wavered. They may have disobeyed.  They may have limited and frustrated God.   But God never wavered when it came to His promises.

Exodus 34:10 says:

Hebrews 12:12-13 in the Message Bible says:

“So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!”

I started wondering why people sit on their hands and drag their feet….and realized it happens when people make excuses.

Believe me, I’ve heard hundreds, maybe thousands of the excuses … and some that would make you laugh if you didn’t know the person speaking the words was serious.

I believe if I set my mind to it…I could come up with some of the greatest excuses in the world.

But the real question is what does the greatest book ever written have to say about excuses.

Proverbs 24:11 in the Message Bible says:

“Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 says:

Have you ever read a quote by someone that just ignited in your spirit.  I read it this morning and it was a quote by Anonymous that fired me up.  Here it is:

“I’m gonna make the rest of my life, the best of my life.”

I really like that quote, however, I would make a small, but significant change.

I’m gonna make the rest of my life, the best of my life because the Word of God says I can!

There’s no question God wants us to have the best life we can.  In fact, in this teaching you’ll read 40 scriptures where we’re told to and how to experience the good life.

So what does it really mean to live the good life?

Does the good life consist of having what the world has in the latest electronic toys and gadgets. . .traveling to exotic locations for lengthy vacations. . .living in the biggest house in the nicest neighborhood. . .being successful in business and in your investments…but loving Jesus along the way?

For those who are sick. . .battling a disease or condition. . .the good life is divine health.

For those who’re having trouble with their children.  . .the good life is everybody knowing and serving Jesus as Lord.

As my fine wife, Bev and I were in special prayer for our partners...God allowed us to see the intense spiritual battle faced by some our partners and His many children.

We felt the concern of His children over their prayers going seemingly unanswered.

You may have been praying for changes in your finances...a new job or a promotion...a healing for your body...turning lack into more than enough or overcoming addictions to alcohol, drugs or sin…but your answer hasn’t manifested…yet.

As we were praying. . .our attention was turned to Daniel 10:12-13 where He drew a direct parallel to what happened to Daniel and what may be happening to you.

“Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.”

Here are seven keys to getting your prayers answered.

1.      Fear Not

I vividly remember the first time I heard 1 Corinthians 12:22 in the New Living Translation.  I immediately knew it was a verse that should be taught and/or quoted on a regular basis.

I knew God would use this verse to touch and change people’s lives who feel they are weaker or less important to Him as others.

The entire verse of 1 Corinthians 12:22 in the New Living Translation says:

“In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.”

As I was re-reading that verse God immediately gave me seven reasons why you and every other believer are strong, important and necessary to the Body of Christ.

Before getting to the seven reasons you are necessary I want to share 1 Corinthians 12:22 in two other translations.

First, the Contemporary English Version of 1 Corinthians 12:22, says:

"In fact, we cannot get along without the parts of the body that seem to be the weakest."

Second, the New International Reader’s Version of 1 Corinthians 12:22, says:

“In fact, it is just the opposite. The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are the ones we can’t do without.”