I’ve learned something through my life: God loves you.

I remember bringing up my youngest daughter and the battles we sometimes had. I had to discipline her, but today she loves me deeply and works full-time in the mission. That taught me something about the heart of a father.

Deuteronomy 4:29 says: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

God has been a Father to me. Sometimes He has had to discipline me, but His love has never changed. And that is what God wants to be for you – a Father who loves you, guides you and sometimes corrects you.

I learned another lesson about trusting God when, at 90 years old, I finally learned to fly. The instructor had his hand on the controls, and everything was fine. But when he took his hand away and said, “You’re flying,” I was afraid!

It made me think about our relationship with God. As long as we try to control our own lives, we will struggle. But when we trust Jesus and allow Him to take control, everything changes.

I learned the same lesson years earlier in a communist prison. I had been sentenced to ten years for smuggling Bibles and preaching the Gospel. I prayed, “Lord, You delivered Paul and Silas. You delivered Peter. You can deliver me.”

The guards told me it was impossible. But God worked a miracle. After only one year, I was released – and I actually flew home with the British Prime Minister who had come to secure my release.

God has power to change your life. He can break every curse, forgive every sin and set you free.

Why? Because God is love.

God loved you so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for your sin. But He doesn't only want to forgive you – He wants your love in return. He wants your heart.

I’ve seen this demonstrated in remarkable ways. Once, while preaching in Russia, a crippled man came forward. He wanted prayer to stop smoking. But I prayed for his crippled leg instead. When I finished praying, he threw his cigarettes on the ground – and suddenly realised he had been healed. He ran the length of the football field!

Why did God heal him? God saw his heart.

And God sees your heart today.

Whatever your situation – sickness, sin, trouble or difficulty – seek Him with all your heart. Trust Him. Give Him control.

God wants your heart. He wants your love. He wants your life. He wants you.