by David Chadwick

Every good English teacher knows and teaches the importance of prepositions. Do you remember learning them as a child? They are the connecting words that describe the relationship between a noun or pronoun and the other words in a sentence.

Over the next week, I want us to ponder five-plus prepositions that will strengthen how we pray and also ponder Jesus’s love for us.

Today’s prepositions are the words “in” and “with.”

John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Friends, as we abide in Jesus and his Word abides in us, we can ask him anything. Peace in the midst of a storm. Hope in the midst of despair. Courage in the midst of fire. If you are a Christian, Jesus Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27 ).

Not only is he in you, he is also with you. In Matthew 28:20 , Jesus says that he will be with us always, to the end of the age.

As you face today, remember that the Lord of the universe is in you and with you. His power is your power. His strength is your strength. His presence is your protection. He stands in you and with you no matter what you face.

Whether there is a Goliath you are facing, a mountain (Mark 11:22-25), or a mulberry bush that needs to be uprooted and thrown into the heart of the sea (Luke 17:5-6), all you need is a mustard seed of faith. Plant that seed of faith in your heart and watch it grow. Jesus lives IN you and is WITH you. This truth should strengthen your prayer life and prompt you to pray with confidence and assurance.

Because of Jesus, and the truth of these simple words of “in” and “with” you, you have all the power and authority you will ever need to face anything and everything!