I beamed with pride over my rusty blue and black vehicle with no power steering during my college days. It was the first one I ever owned. I loved it, even with all its imperfections. But the wheel was so difficult to turn; when it came time to park at home, I had to ask my dad or one of my brothers to do it for me. I simply wasn’t strong enough.

Have you ever driven an automobile without power steering? If so, you know how rough that is.

Despite that, since I had never had a car of my own before then, raggedy or not, I was happy. To improve its appearance a bit, my brothers helped me pick out some shiny hubcaps from Walmart. They told me I was definitely styling. I wasn’t so sure about all that, but I did like the way the faux-chrome accessories looked.

Before one of my siblings crashed and totaled my two-door hatchback, which was definitely a fixer-upper, I was growing tired of wrestling with that wheel. My arms were tired and my strength was insufficient.

Life can feel like driving a car with no power steering, right? The twists and turns seem too difficult to handle. On your own, they are. But when God takes over the wheel, He’ll not only steer you in the right direction, but His power gives you fuel for the journey and turns situations for you that you cannot turn around on your own.

In Acts 1:8, before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, He told the apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses..."

So they waited on the manifestation of that power. The word power in this passage is the Greek word “dunamis,” which signifies miraculous power, might and strength. It is the very equipping power of God activated in the life of the believer. As long as you have received Christ and accepted the gift of the Holy Spirit, you, too, have dunamis.

God’s miraculous power, might and strength is working in you, through you, and for you. No matter what negative situations arise in your life, He has equipped you to do His will. You will overcome adversity, be a witness, and show forth His glory.

Friend, whatever you’re facing today, know this: you are fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. That dunamis rests on your life and gives you the courage, fortitude and ability to soar. You will thrive, overcome any obstacle, reach great heights and achieve every goal that is in alignment with God’s predestined purpose for your life. There is no need to worry.

Again, you have the overcoming, equipping power of the Holy Spirit at work in you. There’s nothing you’re incapable of doing as long as you stay in God’s will. He makes provision for every need as you partner with Him in purpose. The next time you feel weak and discouraged, as if you won’t make it, remind yourself that His power is working in and through you, equipping you to do all things.

You will bear positive fruit in your life. The Lord’s hand is upon you this very day, causing doors to open, ways to be made, disease to be banished, mountains to be flattened, and enemies to be subdued. If your head is hung low and you're crying, stressing and sulking, shake yourself out of that slump.

As you read this, God is coming against the enemy’s attempts to sabotage your destiny by planting negative, discouraging, self-deprecating thoughts in your mind, telling you what’s not possible. The enemy wants you to quit, but don’t do it.

Whenever Satan tries to make you think you’re faced with insurmountable obstacles, hit back with the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 19:26 NIV, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration today. It says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

As you drink down the contents of your cup, hold your head up high, embrace a faith perspective and declare “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” according to Philippians 4:13. Whatever is opposing you right now, know that, no matter how forceful or powerful it seems, the power of God at work in you is greater than what comes against you.

Tap into that dunamis and answer the adversary’s claim that you are defeated with what you already know to be true according to Romans 8:37, which says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

As you rest in the assurance that God’s power is at work in your life, please join me in praying for the individuals who asked to be included on our “Thoughtful Thursdays” intercessory prayer list. Let’s believe together to see God’s miraculous power at work in their lives also. As you take time to pray, I know God will move on your behalf.

Amy wrote: My husband is addicted to drugs and alcohol. Please pray that the spirit of bondage be broken off of his life. He is in a deep depression and uses to escape the pain. I would really appreciate the prayers right now. This is a very hard situation. He is refusing to go to rehab. Thank you Dianna and prayer team.

Anonymous wrote: An aunt molested me when I was a baby all the way through my early teen years. I am a grown 38 year old woman now and I can’t shake the pain, sexual confusion, anger and bitterness. I am also too ashamed to tell anyone. I need much prayer to know how to deal with all this anger and confusion. I don’t know what to do. This has ruined all my relationships and left me lonely and bitter. God please help me!

C. Tiller wrote: Hi Dianna. I love your devotions and podcast. They have helped me through a messy divorce! A year ago my husband decided to leave me and his three kids. I feel alone and hurt. I don’t want to forgive him for cheating on me and making me waste the last 18 years of my life. I need power to forgive. This hurt and pain is so deep. Thanks for the prayers.

Angela wrote: My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer just yesterday. I am so scared. I know God has not given us the spirit of fear but I am very fearful. Pray for her healing and for my family. Thank you for your encouragements. They help keep me strong.

Anonymous wrote: I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Lupus. I have been in a lot of pain and I am having skin issues. Please believe with me for healing. Thank you in advance.

Anonymous wrote: I escaped an abusive marriage but leaving put me in a bad place financially. I need a job and somewhere to stay. I am currently staying at a relative’s house. I feel worthless and can’t even take care of myself financially. I am 33 years old and I am sad most days. This is not how my life was supposed to turn out. I know God can hear my prayers. I just need Him to show up for me.

Kinsu wrote: I live in Ghana and praise our precious Lord Jesus for your daily devotions and podcasts. In 2016 my family was hit hard by a violent storm that destroyed our family home. We have struggled greatly and trusted God for His provision and the good Lord in His grace has provided. Please pray for His continued assistance while we continue to rebuild our lives. We will give the Father all the glory and praise. Thank you Dianna and intercessory team for considering my humble request and for all you do to help those in need.

Rick wrote: I am requesting prayer for my wife Brandi. She is depressed and suicidal. I don’t want to lose her. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote: I am single. Never been married. No children. 48 years old. I know I am blessed with a good job and a beautiful home. I feel like I have everything I need, except love. I am struggling with my weight. I think to myself no one will ever want me because of my appearance. I ask God to help me. I am embarrassed even admitting this but I need prayers. If God will not give me a husband I ask that He will give me peace to be content in my singleness. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote: I have been struggling to stay saved. I have an issue with promiscuity and I hesitate to tell anyone I am even saved. I don’t act like it most of the time to be honest. The world was so appealing to me and I am fighting the urge to get back out there. I don’t want to repeat past mistakes but I am really weak. I don’t want to backslide completely. I want to be fully committed to God. I need all the help and prayers I can get.

Now let’s pray.

God, Satan is busy, attacking your people spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, physically and in their relationships. But there is no attack or issue that is big enough or strong enough to defeat You. So today, I ask that You touch every individual and family represented here today. They have come to You earnestly requesting that You will intervene. I know that You are able to do it. We touch and agree and believe that it is done by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.