If you look around long enough, eventually you'll find "someone" who'll tell you what you want to hear. The problem is that you may be seeking what you "want" to be true versus what the actual truth is.
Beware of not only false teachings, but the rise of false prophets. These people will lead you further and further from the Bible under the guise of society's new found "enlightenment". Read the Bible yourself. Study and have your own interpretation of what you read (instead of relying on someone else's opinion that may have an ax to grind or a non-Biblical agenda). "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
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"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)
When you've exhausted all avenues, and expressed to the Lord your desires, there may come a time where you need to consider that His will for you may be a "new beginning".
As hard as that may be to accept, you must trust God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Have faith that the Lord can create good out of what seems exceedingly bad. More than ever, continue to seek His guidance as you begin this next chapter of your life, as He is not out to harm you, but to give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19) Who's plan are you following, God's or your own? You may get away with following your own plan for a time, but in the end, if your plan doesn't match up with God's purpose for you, look out. That said, don't view life interruptions that may come to light because of this discrepancy negatively, as they are God's "invitations" to you to have a relationship with Him.
The best thing you can do right now is repent and surrender your life to Christ, if you haven't yet (Romans 10:9-10). Don't wait for an emergency. Don't look at all the success you've had so far in life and think you don't need God (because who do you think allowed you that success?). When you give your life to God, you will have a newfound peace and purpose that will transcend money and all things of this world. Be obedient to God's calling in your life. First by letting Him into your heart, and then by "listening" to what He wants you to do after that. God is only good (Mark 10:18). He is not out to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11), so Trust in His plan for you instead of your own. It's not too late (until you're gone that is). Don't wait and make that mistake, as it's not an accident that you are reading this right now. God "is" pursuing you. Additionally, if you're ever feeling under attack because of these life "interruptions", remember this, the devil wouldn't be messing with you if he didn't consider you a threat! God wants to use you (your past mistakes, warts and all!). "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) Welcome the struggles that come your way, as they are strengthening you into the person God wants, and is "preparing" you to be (Romans 5:3). Be obedient and let God worry about the outcome. Start today, I promise that you will not regret it. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28) Saul was one of the worst persecutors of Christians there ever was, until that faithful day when Jesus called him out on his actions. Saul then became Paul. From that day forward, God turned Paul's passion for persecuting those faithful to Him to perhaps the greatest Apostle of all time!
In a similar vein, I used to be one of the most politically divisive people there was. It was my way of thinking or the highway. Did that way of thinking honor Christ? Does that type of "divisiveness" show love? Does that want others to seek God? I think not, and I praise the Lord for the forgiveness of those past sins each and every day! That was the old me. But, through Christ, I was saved from that world. How about you? Do you unite for Christ or are you a divider because of an "opinion"? Our world is broken enough to begin with, do we need "followers" of Christ throwing fuel on the fire as well? What is God's purpose for those who follow Him? It's pretty cut and dry once we make "Him" our priority. "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) And then, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Search your heart before entering into another heated debate or feel the need to think you are "superior" than someone else. The reality is we are ALL made in God's image, so if you profess to follow Him, then show others exactly what that means. Think about what Jesus would say the next time you feel the need to spout off about something that doesn't benefit that other person's "salvation". Love as Jesus loves, proclaim the Good News as you are commanded, and let God handle the rest. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) “The Bible has been banned, burned, scoffed, and ridiculed. Scholars have mocked it as foolish. Kings have branded it as illegal. A thousand times over it the grave has been dug, and the dirge has begun, but somehow the Bible never stays in the grave. Not only has it survived, it has thrived. It is the single most popular book in all of history. It has been the best-selling book in the world for years!" Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment #devotions
We can't control many aspects of our lives (and satan knows it). The enemy will use everything, and everyone, around us to get is off track and steer us from God's light (if even for a day).
Don't fall for it. Many times the devil will manipulate the people closest to us in order get a "rise" out of us, so then we'll spend the rest of the day in anger or worry. When you're feeling under attack, recognize it for what it is. What should we do? Stop worrying over those you have no control over and spend some time in the Good Book, as it's said, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." (Proverbs 12:25) Also, turn those persistent worries over to God, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7) And then pray, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." (Philippians 4:6) By doing these things, we are calling on the power of God to aid in our fight against satan and his schemes. When we first seek the kingdom of God, all else will be given to us (Matthew 6:33) So, don't keep God on the bench in your fights with the enemy. "Always be joyful. Never stop praying and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Most often, we have a habit of only calling to God in prayer when we "need" something from Him. Whether it's a sick loved one, a marriage in trouble, or a job loss, one of the first things we'll think of is to ask for prayers. And that's great! God welcomes any time we spend with Him, especially when we acknowledge we need His help.
But, what happens when the prayer goes unanswered for months (or even years) on end? Or worse, what happens if the prayer is answered in a way we don't desire? I think it's important to think about these things "before" we offer a prayer request. We need to remember that God works in our lives for the long term including, and most importantly, our very salvation! If an answer to a prayer comes back less than satisfactory to us, trust that God has a reason for it. I'm not saying it may not be painful in the short run, but understand there's a greater purpose at play. God gives us what we "need" at certain points in our lives (2 Thessalonians 1:2), which often times can be much different than what we want. You have no idea what God may have planned for you when a prayer comes back contrary to what you had originally hoped for. Trust Him. Keep your faith. Continue to pray earnestly for His guidance on this "new" path He has set you on. God is not (nor ever was) out to harm you, but instead wants to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). And, considering He already knows your future, why would you want any other answer than the one "He" provides? |
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