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Why would I ever ignore God's prompting through the Holy Spirit? Why? Why? Why?
Scripture says:
- "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
- "The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." (Psalm 145:9)
- "But as it is written, no eye has seen nor ear has heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
- "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Now, now.... Go back and read the scriptures. Don't skim over them. See, I might say something amazing, but I'm nowhere near as amazing as God.
So here I am, little old Karen who knows that God's plan is beyond anything I could ever do on my own. He wants me to live an abundant life, which he prepared just for me. He can do more than I can ask or imagine! And I DREAM BIG!!! And what do I do? I take matters into my own hands. I ignore the Holy Spirit. I. AM. CRAZY!
Can you relate?
I'm so guilty of being the holy spirit to my kids. That's not my job, though. God wants me to guide them, instruct them and correct them. He wants me to encourage and nurture and pray for them. He wants to be the one to convict their hearts. Those rare times when I do my job and stay out of His, He does pretty amazing. Okay, more than pretty amazing -- He is jaw-dropping FANTASTIC at being God!
Maybe your marriage isn't all that you want it to be. Are you trying to fix it? Or will you let God work on you and leave your spouse to His care? Instead of pointing out your spouse's every short-coming, ask God to show you where you need to improve. Do it, God's way.
Do you hate your boss? Your coworkers? Maybe hate is a strong word.... Maybe you just find them clueless? Ignorant? Selfish? You know what, God didn't put you there to judge them. (Yes, I'm stomping on toes -- mine included!) He put you there to shine HIS light -- not your judgment -- into their lives. How? By following him. You don't have to do it! You just need to honor God and do things His way, walking by faith not by sight.
And when we do that, the most amazing thing happens. God moves. He intercedes. Problems we dread "suddenly" evaporate. Situations we fear resolve. Relationships we struggle with improve. God moves in every situation -- "[He] works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28)
We get it backward. Bless me, then I'll follow you. He wants us to follow him, and then the blessings will flow.
What challenge do you face today? Will you commit your situation to God's care? AND ask Him to work on your heart while you're at it? Do you believe in miracles? I do!
I'm so guilty of being the holy spirit to my kids. That's not my job, though. God wants me to guide them, instruct them and correct them. He wants me to encourage and nurture and pray for them. He wants to be the one to convict their hearts. Those rare times when I do my job and stay out of His, He does pretty amazing. Okay, more than pretty amazing -- He is jaw-dropping FANTASTIC at being God!
Maybe your marriage isn't all that you want it to be. Are you trying to fix it? Or will you let God work on you and leave your spouse to His care? Instead of pointing out your spouse's every short-coming, ask God to show you where you need to improve. Do it, God's way.
Do you hate your boss? Your coworkers? Maybe hate is a strong word.... Maybe you just find them clueless? Ignorant? Selfish? You know what, God didn't put you there to judge them. (Yes, I'm stomping on toes -- mine included!) He put you there to shine HIS light -- not your judgment -- into their lives. How? By following him. You don't have to do it! You just need to honor God and do things His way, walking by faith not by sight.
And when we do that, the most amazing thing happens. God moves. He intercedes. Problems we dread "suddenly" evaporate. Situations we fear resolve. Relationships we struggle with improve. God moves in every situation -- "[He] works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28)
We get it backward. Bless me, then I'll follow you. He wants us to follow him, and then the blessings will flow.
What challenge do you face today? Will you commit your situation to God's care? AND ask Him to work on your heart while you're at it? Do you believe in miracles? I do!
11 comments:
Karen, I can ABSOLUTELY relate. Though, I don't just ignore the holy Spirit...I don't recognize it...which, I am not sure is worse or just the same. I have a hard time with that.
And there's someone lately I hate. I don't know why, and I'm not sure what bugs me about her, but I can't stand her. I need to be better about that.
Thanks for the reminder. good post!
Hey B,
I wouldn't say it's worse or better. Learning to hear the spirit's whisper is a process of growing in faith. Just like our kids don't know how to tie their shoes when they're little and need practice, we need practice in listening. It takes time, in prayer, in reading God's word, and in walking by faith.
I mess up all the time -- sometimes I don't listen (like I said in the post). Sometimes I can't hear. Just keep taking steps.
Praying for your heart to be soft about this woman. May God show you a side of her that brings you understanding -- and maybe a bit of peace too :)
Lots of love!
I don't know if I believe in miracles, but I believe in timing, and that certain things are just meant to be if the timing is right.
Karen it was great to read this today, I've been in a very My will not yours be done kind of place lately, not that I really saw it that way but that is what I have been doing! Thanks for being another reminder, God has a bit of a sense of humor today, everywhere I look today I'm getting the same message!! Much love to you!!
Okay, I needed this. Whenever I am stuck and stressed and questioning EVERYTHING, I ask myself what I am missing and the answer is always the same..Faith.
Thank you!
Kathy,
He is certainly persistent when He wants to get through, isn't He? :D
Gotta love a God who never gives up on us!!!
May your week be filled with wonder and joy!
Perspective Parenting,
I'm always in that battle it seems. Every step I take I feel like I wait for my faith to catch up. Then I can take another step... STRETCH! :)
Thanks for your comment.
Seriously, I think our minds are on the same wavelength most of the time!! I've been thinking, praying and talking about these 3 same areas, exactly! Throught the Gentleness Challenge I realized I'm not my children's Holy Spirit. In Jan God laid marriage heavy on my heart. And last week our memory verse at home was Matt 5:16, "So let your light shine...". Love your post!! When you look at it this way, it so crazy we ever ignore God's prompting! ♥
Wonderful post. Once again, a reminder God's promises!
This week has been a rough one....while facing my husband's job search, a miscarriage and another serious family problem. It's often hard to feel anything spiritual at times like these. But I can say that I have felt the comforter and that through the Holy Ghost His love has been felt and an overarching sense of peace has manifested itself despite my imperfect circumstances. I, like you, hope to be humble enough to recognize and receive it....to open the door at which He knocks and let Him in. Thanks for sharing.
Guilty! So often I try to solve problems, really I need to just concentrate on me and have faith - thank you for reminding me.
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