Sometime ago Bishop Atwater preached a sermon entitled, "You Can Be Pitiful or Powerful," but you can't be both. That sermon spoke directly to the "void" in my life! It was a subtle wake up call and reminder that you can't rightfully hold hands with God with a "defeated mindset!" You can't proclaim victory while being a victim! You can't straddle the fence of "uncertainty" and then expect instant manifestations. God's full abundance is obtained from obedience and resiliency! There aren't any shortcuts. You can't skip the process and reap a premature harvest! In other words, you gotta go through to get the breakthrough!
"My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways."
--James 1:2-8
To be honest, I literally flinch at the mention of "double mindless," because consistency is a stumbling block for me for various reasons. It illicts all kinds of negative feelings and is a nagging reminder of my shortcomings. Then the "doubt" kicks into overdrive, leaving behind unsettling feelings. Along comes issues regarding "surrendering & obedience!" Add a lot of insecurities and a mound of trust issues to the mix! Then the inner struggle becomes more real, because the battle starts and the warfare begins or so "my minds says." However, it takes an enormous amount of discipline to train your mind against self-sabotage. That's why I'm here to tell you "sabbaticals" aren't the answer! You need to stay in the presence of God with like minded individuals that you can draw strength from during your weaknesses, or you will find yourself entangled in a repetitive round with the devil!
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." --2 Corinthians 10:3-5
It's easy to fall into an human err moment & need to be reminded that we don't need to fight within our own power cause in all actuality--it's impossible! We don't do this thing called, "life" through our own capabilities. At some point, we have to freely choose! We can either be like the man lying by the pool for thirty-eight years, waiting for someone to put him into the pool or we can take up our bed & walk! Don't allow what has subconsciously attached to your spirit become your "comfort zone or way of life!"
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint!" --Isaiah 40:31
Waiting on the Lord is a submission to your process! It is a declaration of faith that says, "I trust you, Lord, even when I can't find my way & the hills seem like mountains & the storms seem like Tsunamis.
Give up or Get up---you do have a choice!
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