It is quite possibly the most abused, misused, and flippant word in the English language. Consider how we use it. I love God, and I love sausage rolls. I love my children, and I love empty parking spaces.

Is it true, prayer changes things? That depends on what “things” we are talking about. I think when most of us wonder whether or not prayer changes things, we’re really asking if God will intervene in a specific situation.

At one time, I assumed that “victory in Christ”—or living a victorious Christian life in the middle of our sinful, messed-up world—meant having victory in my own life, as I chose to define it.

If tears were indelible ink instead of clear fluid, all of us would be stained for life. The heartbreaking circumstances, the sudden loss of someone we simply adored, riding out the consequences of a stupid decision—ah! Such is the groan and grind of life.

Happiness, though, rarely likes to stick around. I mean a lasting happiness, an unshakable sense of contentment, an abiding bliss. It’s the kind of happiness that stays truly satisfied because of an inner peace deep within, regardless of circumstances