I know this is a pretty long quote, but its a must read! Whether or not God directly controls every event in the life of a Christian can be answered by stating that the basic laws of sow-ing and reaping, cause and effect, individual responsibility and the free will arent negated when we come to Christ. All promises from God are attached to conditions-governing principles. Most, if not all, of these conditions involve responsibility on our part. Protection is no exception. Most of us dont like that. It threatens us and somehow weakens God in our minds to imply Hes not in total control of everything. And the majority are greatly offended if anything is taught implying that a failure to receive protection, provision, healing, an answer to prayer, or anything else from God could be our fault. I can understand how it might threaten us-Im threatened by me-but I dont understand why it offends. Are any of us claiming perfection? Arent all of us going to fail once in a while? Then why are we offended when a teaching suggests that these imperfections and failures might hinder us? Why are we offended and opposed to a teaching that says our unbelief kept us from receiving something when so often the Bible says if we believe and do not doubt or waver well receive (see Matt. 17:20; 21:2 1; Mark 11:22-24; Jas. 1:6-7)? Why are we offended when it is implied that our inability to persevere created lack when the Bible says that we through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12, emphasis added)? Why are we confused or angry when it is suggested that our not doing something caused failure when the Bible says if were willing and obedient well eat the good of the land (Isa. 1:19, KJV, emphasis added)? As many as 80 percent of those who consider themselves born again dont tithe, thereby opening themselves to a curse. Yet they are offended when someone implies that their lack of provision might be their own fault (see Mal. 3:8-12). We dont forgive and still have the gall to think God will hear and answer our prayers (see Mark 11:25-26). Often, we eat poorly, dont exercise and abuse our bodies in other ways. Then we blame our sicknesses on Gods will. We dont properly train our children, yet were offended with the suggestion that their rebellion might be our fault (see Deut. 6:7; Prov. 22:6). We dont abide in Christ and His Word. Still we blame it on Gods will when we ask what we will and it isnt done (John 15:7). We know faith comes through hearing and meditating on Gods Word (see Rom. 10:17), and most of us do very little of that. But let someone imply that we didnt receive a promise because of unbelief and were irate. The Scriptures teach that He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High (KJV) receives the protective promises of the remainder of Psalm 91 . . . that I have an armor I must wear and carry, including the shield of faith, to ward off Satans fiery darts (see Eph. 6:13-18) . . . that Satan goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and that I am to resist him (see 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 4:7) . . . and yet, let someone suggest that my lack of protection from some destructive happening could be my own fault and Im offended. How about you? Im certainly not implying that God never allows us to walk through difficulties, that all our problems are because of disobedience or that all unanswered prayer is because of unbelief. Im simply saying that many of our failures and difficulties are our fault, not Gods will; we have a part to play in the securing of protection and other heavenly provisions. Lets try to lay down our fears, insecurities and tendencies toward offense. Lets accept the fact that the Scriptures are filled with principles that put responsibility on us, which must be met to receive Gods promises. Lets realize this doesnt cancel grace and promote salvation by works. Grace does not imply no responsibility on our part. Lets realize the love of God is unconditional, but His favor and blessing are not. Lets cast off all laziness, complacency and apathy. Lets realize we will fall short at times and not feel condemned when we do. Lets! - from Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth by Dutch Sheets.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:52:25 +0000
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