The stretching, pulling, and refining processes are daunting but necessary. I sometimes forget that’s a requirement to go to the next level for Christ. It’s not a punishment, it’s preparation for accomplishing the task He is about to present to me. When things get challenging and we begin to question ourselves and God, contemplating quitting, we must remember we prayed for that. We prayed for that growth, to be a light in the darkness, the degree, the business, the family. The sooner we recognize that God is maturing us, the less likely we will resist.
Bible, devotional, and prayer time
I can’t emphasize enough the commitment to Bible, devotional, and prayer time to keep us focused on the prize. I have some family members that we do this together. We use a Bible application to pick a topic and share our comments at the end of each day. It’s a great way to learn about Jesus and learn about the people we love. Studying together reveals how we can uplift and pray for each other. Some of my family live in other states, and this is a great tool to connect us to Jesus regardless of where we are. It also keeps us accountable in keeping our commitment to reading the Bible daily.
Prayer time with other Christians is refreshing. If you don’t have someone to pray with, get into prayer and ask Jesus to provide someone. Knowing there is someone you can specifically connect with provides comfort and godly guidance. Bible and prayer time is key for remembering what and why we prayed for something and for staying the course.
Pray for it
People have said, don’t pray for patience because God will surely test it. Unfortunately, I have said that due to not having understanding. God is not in the business of sabotaging His children. Remember, He sent His son Jesus to endure the awful death on the cross that you and I should have endured because of our sin. If God wanted to break or destroy us that would have been the opportune time. Once again God is not punishing us, He is moving us beyond mediocrity. One of our issues is that we don’t put on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:11-17), and if we do it’s on backward or missing pieces and we are relying on ourselves to fight the battle. This is one reason why praying bold prayers frightens us because we are not fully anchored in Jesus.
The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Guess who I am going to obey? It’s not the people who tell me not to pray for something specific because that’s contrary to the word of God. The concept of praying without ceasing is that our hearts and minds are always in a state of communing with God. Regardless of what our responsibilities and daily tasks are, conversing with the Lord either verbally or in our hearts should be a constant occurrence. Pray for it, patience, endurance, and everything else in the name of Jesus. Make your request known.
In conclusion
When something presents you with a challenge, that does not mean you are not meant to do it. It does not mean you are necessarily in sin. You know if you consulted the Lord with the quality and quantity of prayer and studying of His word. You know if you presented your request and waited to hear from the Holy Spirit or if you forced an outcome. If feelings and emotions were your guides, it probably was not your time. God is not the author of confusion and will not tempt you. He wants to give you the desires of your heart, but He only operates according to what is in the Bible (you must study the Bible for yourself).
I encourage you to take regular inventory of your relationship with Christ to determine if and how you are contributing to its growth. If everything checks out according to the Bible, remember when things get tough what your goal is, and you prayed for that and will be victorious at the appropriate appointed time.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Is there something you forgot you prayed for and the stretching, pulling, and refining process causing you some frustration?
- Difficulty or the absence of it does not determine your purpose, God’s presence and peace in the circumstance does.
- How would you rate your Bible, devotional, and prayer time?
- What does the cross mean to you? Be specific and make it personal. We may know what the cross stands for but do we know the Jesus of the cross.
- Remember to take frequent personal inventories of your relationship with Christ.
- Do you have someone to pray with? If not, ask the Lord to provide someone and be sure to make yourself available to others.
- Consider starting a prayer or Bible study group. It does not have to be big. Two people are powerful in the name of Jesus.
This is so powerful Carol! Thank you! All of this! I have a lot I will be sorting through and working through as you encouraged. You’re a blessing.
I liked the question how’s your Bible time and prayer life. It’s a good question to ask all the time.
Ashley, Amen! I’m so blessed that you are encouraged. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the blog!!!
Hi Carol,
I’ll start by saying, phew I am glad God knows what is best for me and hasn’t always answered my prayers how I thought I wanted!
Great reminders, specifically that if/when circumstances are difficult it doesn’t necessarily mean we are in sin.
I believe satan likes to attack us there (during challenges) and plant seeds of doubt or discouragement.
I often think of taking a personal inventory of my relationship with Jesus, it helps me to focus on Him.
Thank you for this weeks post and always pointing us to Christ! To God Be the Glory ❤️.
Heidi, I totally agree and I’m so thankful that even through my tantrums God knew what was best for His child!!! Our enemy is always attacking our character and that’s why it’s key to take those inventories so we can distinguish/discern if it’s a sin issue or God growing and maturing us. I appreciate your support, thank you!