Wanting to experience God on a new level I attempted, to create a comfy space in the cleaning closet under my staircase and quickly realized that God wasn't after my comfort, He was after my heart. Through training at Mercy Ships, a season of loss, and my word for the year, abide, I began to trust God with my concerns, doubts, fears and struggles instead of striving to figure it all out on my own.

Ever feel stuck like Chuck in your prayer life? A tow truck with a cross-shaped lift sparked an unexpected lesson on why our prayers sometimes feel unanswered. From praying the same old words to checking our motives and sincerity, this post walks through three heart checks every believer needs, plus reflection questions to help you dig deeper.