In the early years of my ministry, I groaned about each new day. My morning prayers were more complaints than praise. “Lord, here comes another day. I don’t feel up to the tasks before me. Don’t let me fail you. Don’t let me dishonor you if an opportunity to witness comes up.” On and on I went, groaning and moaning, wailing and pleading with the Lord.

Then one day, Fred Renich, who helped direct our missionary internship program, challenged me and some of my young colleagues. He knew that most of us started out our day groaning. The content, tone and direction of our prayers were negative. He challenged us to pray instead with thanksgiving based on the promises and reality of God. He urged us to start each day saying, “Thank you, Lord Jesus. Here’s a new day. Yes, I’m weak, but you are strong. I don’t always know how to witness to others, but you’ll give me the right words. Thank you for living in me.” Starting out my day with the reminder that God our Father will never leave me or forsake me changed my entire perspective on my day.

Try it out and see what happens. Your entire outlook on your day will change. You will start seeing the people around you in a different way: not as people in need of fixing, but people in need of great love and joy in Christ. This new mindset will make all the difference in reaching your world for Christ. 

This is Luis Palau.