Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Stepping Stones: Do You Avoid God’s Will Because It Hurts?



Transformational Thought

I was in a situation recently where as a close friend revealed some information to me that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But the Godly response from me was uncomfortable for me to deliver, and I know it was going to be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I said what I know God put on my heart to say, the friendship might end. Wwll I said it, and I know we are both better because I said it. Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

This incident pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. And then I realized my mistake; my fear response was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger, but God never intended our emotions o be our decision-making system.

One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly and Satan's way or our fleshly way is on sale, cheaper, less costly than God’s way. Satan's ways will always and immediately result in spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain and heart) damage as well as having longer term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.

The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living...to go beyond what is natural to what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember that His will not only does what is good for us...it does what is best for us. Following God's will He will accomplish what is best for you.

Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, look to serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Live by faith...not by sight.

Prayer
Dear Father, I confess, Father, that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid at what this will actually entail. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting; physically, emotionally, spiritually – I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect…He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31

We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7