Colossians 4:2, "Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving."

Have you ever been tempted to give up on something you were praying for because it seems like the answer is never coming? Well to begin with if what you are praying for lines up with God's Word? Then, you can be assured it certainly is His will for you! Having that confidence alone is enough to keep you in an attitude of expectancy and thankfulness. In fact the NKJ version of this verse tells us to continue in prayer and watch. That phrase in the original Greek text refers to someone who wants something so fiercely, he is leaning forward and pressing toward it. He is so focused in prayer and pressing into the Spirit and has resolved that no matter what, if God has promised it, he will see it! Remember the Bible doesn't say when we ask for something in prayer we believe when we receive the answer. No, it says we believe we receive when we pray (Mark 11:23,24). Did you notice that Paul said we are to be alert and intent in our praying with thanksgiving! As you pray with confidence and in faith, lift your voice to thank God in advance for the answer you are believing for. Thanksgiving is the language of faith and thanks God for the answer -even before it comes! When you are continually thankful and have a faith-filled heart, expectant to see God's will manifest, it's not easy to be disheartened or feel defeated!