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Will Things Change?

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, did God tell Paul to give up when He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness?” Was that really the takeaway of this chapter that we as Christ-followers should just accept our lives’ poor conditions? So when I hear that deceiving spirit whisper, “Things will never change.” Am I supposed to listen? How many of us have stopped praying about significant matters in our lives and used 2 Corinthians as an excuse? Did God tell you personally that His grace was sufficient, or did you give up asking for the miracle because you lost faith in God’s abilities? Maybe you were tired of waiting on God and just moved on?

God asked me all these questions the other day as I was driving to the Rescue Mission. I often talk to God about the spiritual condition of my ladies or ladies that have walked. I can’t say it was the question that was mulling around in my head that God was engaging as much as my heart that was slowly giving up. God was challenging me to ask more, pray more, believe more in the manner I was talking to Him about everything going on around me. We pray small because I think we’ve gotten lazy about how we implore God. I joke with my ladies that we use Bible verses as some sort of weird salve that we rub all over, thinking that will do the trick. We are to walk out God’s word in our lives. The same needs to be said about our conversations with God. How many platitudes or clichés are we using in our prayers to God? That must just insult Him because God knows our underlining intentions or beliefs. They are not hidden from Him. Just like the car ride conversation I had with God. It was not my question but my heart or trust that God challenged. Do I believe God can change the heart of man? Do I believe that we are new creations in Christ? Do I believe that God can call into being that which does not exist? Do I believe that nothing is impossible with God for those that believe?
I am writing these words to challenge all of us. We don’t get to quit praying about situations in our lives till God says quit. Even in 2 Corinthians, God was not saying quit. He was telling Paul to adjust his request because God had a purpose for the situation. Healing for my legs came from proclaiming Luke 18:1-8 over my life. For three years, the journey has been going on because heavy metal poisoning had been going on for years. Some miracles happen suddenly. Others are a life journey. Both of them involve boldly engaging God, knowing God can, and praising His name for His abilities.
Today, sit down and write out bold words you can proclaim over your situation, knowing God can fulfill those requests. For some of you, this will lead to a sudden miracle. Others, like me, God will give instructions on lifestyle changes. It ultimately boils down to your choices and willingness to believe God can and will in your circumstance. Christians love to quote Proverbs 3:5-6 but do we really mean it in our hearts? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3 is written out and taped on my computer with the words, “I am confident in the Lord’s leading!” For all of us, I think we need reminding to stop verbally rubbing God all over us with hollow words and start walking His word out in faith. Jesus asked in Luke 18:8, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” The choice is now yours.
Corresponding verses: Luke 18:27, Romans 4:17-22, 2 Chronicles 20:17, Exodus 14:13a, Ecclesiastes 5:6, Hebrews 11:6, Psalm 20:7, Job 5:8, Ephesians 5:9-10  https://vimeo.com/531511202





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