Embracing Wellness: The Power of Prayer and Faith

This series is dubbed Wellness because we will delve deep (like a well) into issues that make us feel unwell. We will identify the root causes, eliminate them, and cultivate a state of wellness, which simply means health.

Understanding Wellness: Key Indicators

From previous blogs, we have discussed two indicators of a soul living in wellness:

1. Health is knowing your real needs and how to meet them.

2. Health is knowing how to build and nurture close relationships with yourself and others.

   
   

Today, we will explore: Health is responding to life's challenges as opportunities for growth in strength (faith) and maturity, rather than feeling like a ‘victim’ overwhelmed by “problems.”

The Weight of Worldly Pressure

We all experience significant pressure from the world. This pressure often compels us to conform to its definitions of “beauty” and “success.” Currently, the battle for the soul is intense. The gospel reaches out to draw souls eternally to God through faith in Christ Jesus. In contrast, temptations from the devil lure souls to seek temporary satisfaction in the flesh through lust for material gain and social popularity.

Beauty, according to worldly standards, emphasizes physical appearance while neglecting inner character—the soul or heart—the true essence of a person. This societal influence leads individuals to live inauthentically, often resulting in harmful practices like cutting, implanting, and bleaching. These actions dismantle the true beauty that God, your Father, created in you. As stated in Psalm 139:13 and Genesis 1:26-27, you were formed in His image.

In God's Hands by Lester Kern

But the Lord, God our Father said: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The real you, the beautiful you, cannot be altered by external changes. It can only be lost by turning away from the Truth: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 14:6a; 8:32). When you embrace and live the truth, you are liberated from the bondage of lies and can thrive in the promises of God.

Redefining Success

Success, as defined by the world, is often measured by material acquisition and social influence. This includes the number of “likes” or “followers” one accumulates, equating success with being an “influencer.” For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Matthew 16:26; Luke 9:25). The pursuit of wealth and influence can create a false sense of security, often leading to regret and sorrow at the end of life. Tragically, these pursuits can result in premature death and the death of one’s soul.

The blessing of the Lord God, our Father, makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22). When you understand that success is living out your unique purpose for which God created you, you will experience true abundance—the blessing of God on earth. This blessing includes spiritual growth until you reach maturity, allowing you to overcome worldly influences and reflect the beauty of holiness (Matthew 6:21).

The True Gifts of Beauty and Success

Beauty and success were never intended to harm humanity. God has endowed us with these gifts from the beginning. However, the devil has twisted their meanings, leading many astray.

When the ten Israelite spies were sent to the Promised Land, eight reported feeling like ‘grasshoppers’ in their own eyes and in the sight of the Anakite ‘giants’ (Numbers 13:32-33). THESE SPIES EXCHANGED THEIR BEAUTY IN STRENGTH TO CONQUER BY TRUTH FOR FEAR, BECOMING POWERLESS VICTIMS OF A LIE.

Yet, the other two spies stood firm in faith, declaring, Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it (Numbers 13:30).

Joshua and Caleb had strong faith in what God can do and later received His blessing.

Not everyone has the courage to seize opportunities. Eighty percent of the spies were gripped by fear—a tool of Satan designed to hinder progress. That ‘land’ is your soul. That ‘fruit’ is your wellness. What holds you back from accepting God's promises?

God's Promises for You

God promises you good success in Joshua 1. He assures perfect security and long life in Psalm 91. Healing, peace, and abundance are promised in Isaiah 53-55. These promises are confirmed in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. What more evidence do you need to believe that God loves you and desires the best for you? (Jeremiah 29:11). Live your dream and fulfill your purpose now. In the midst of worldly chaos, dare to claim your beauty and success.

YOU ARE THE VICTOR, NOT THE VICTIM!

No matter your past or how you perceive yourself, our Heavenly Father sees you as a marvelous creation in His image. Any loving Father wants the best for His children. You are saved and made right with God, and He longs to perfect everything in your life (Psalm 138:8). You must have faith and believe that, once you trust Him, HE + me—we—are well able to overcome any problem.

Children and Teens Worshiping and Praising the Lord as Victors, not Victims. Experience the fullness of God during Ashanti West Children's Ministry Sweet Jesus Christian Camps.

Letting Go and Letting God

Are you ready to let go and allow God to move in your life? You are not alone. You are not a victim. God hears the prayers of His children (Revelation 5:8b). Get on your knees, stretch out, clap, shout, sing—do whatever it takes to call on the name of the Lord in prayer. In supplication, express your desires to God.

When we pray, we often close our eyes. This act helps us focus on God rather than our surroundings. By closing our eyes, we trust our Father to see us through His perspective. You are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8b).

Facing Challenges with Faith

Problems and challenges, the ‘giants,’ will arise. View these challenges as opportunities to grow in faith and maturity. God, your Father, is with you when you draw closer to Him (John 16:33; James 4:7-8). He will guide you in knowing what you need and how to meet those needs. You can cultivate positive relationships with yourself and others. You can overcome worldly challenges by strengthening your faith and responding to ‘giants’ with prayer power!

Excerpt from the Book 'Prayer Power for Young People' by author Patience Osei-Anyamesem; Artwork by Phenihas Ip

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:12-13).

My Father + me—we—are *well** able to overcome it!*

An Invitation to Seek Help

INVITATION: IF YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED WITH THE CHALLENGES YOU ARE FACING, CONTACT US. WE ARE HERE TO WALK WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY IN CHRIST. THE ROAD WILL NOT ALWAYS BE EASY, BUT OUR FATHER WILL MAKE A DIVINE WAY WHEN THERE SEEMS TO BE NO POSSIBLE HUMAN WAY.

IF YOU HAVE NOT FULLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST JESUS, SIMPLY SPEAK OUT LOUD:

Dear Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I’ve made bad choices and continue to do so. I am sorry and ask for the forgiveness that You freely offer. I believe that you died on the cross to pay for my sin, but that You rose again on the third day, proving your power to conquer the grave and erase all my sin. Give me the gift of Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live my life according to Your way so that I may look forward to a future filled with hope and eternal life with You. Amen.

© 2020, 2025 by Patience Osei-Anyamesem. All rights reserved. Published by The Light In Me Enterprise. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews or other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The artwork depicted in the blog article is carefully selected to draw out the points made for healing of the soul and does not promote any ideologies from the various artists unless they align with God's perfect will.

1. Travis, J. (1977). The Wellness Workbook. Mill Valley, CA, USA: Wellness Resource Center.