This week, I have finally done something that I've always said I would do and wanted to do, but never really made the time to do so. I've made a prayer closet, a sanctuary so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I've had my encounters with God in various places. When I was seeking Him for answers on something that I really needed to hear from Him on, or driving down the road, taking that time to pray instead of letting my mind run 100mph. But I have allowed myself to become so busy that I haven't had time for my Papa. That can be dangerous. And we wonder why we never "hear from God"... I say "we" here because, honestly, who hasn't allowed themselves to let life get in the way? We all mean well, right..?
Anyway, I went into my prayer closet with the intention of worshiping my Father, reading His word, and praying for direction. I did all of these things, but I came to a standstill on how to pray for direction. I literally could not bring myself to pray that way. So, I began to repent and ask forgiveness of things that I may have said or done that I couldn't remember, and of course repenting of those things that I knew I had done. I asked God to bring to light anything in my life that I had kept hidden, thinking that I had dealt with it or just brushed it under the rug.
He has been showing me people all week that I needed to forgive, and I have done so. There has been a couple of instances where I would receive random texts or something of that nature from people that I knew I had forgiven. Quite honestly, the one earlier in the week threw me for a loop. I was like, "I KNOW I have dealt with this situation. What's going on? I am NOT going back there..." At the time, all I knew to do was go back through the situation and forgive the person, and myself, again.
As I was cutting grass today, praying, forgiving people that Holy Spirit revealed to me, another "blast from the past" hit me. Holy Spirit reminded me of some scriptures that I have read this week:
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye." (Luke 6:41, 42 NASB)
"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27, 28 NASB)
It's like a light bulb went off in my head. Forgiveness isn't just about forgiving the person(s) that wronged you, you have to pray for them too. Not just pray for them, but bless them. Pray for prosperity and favor, good health, healthy relationships, and all those good things. If we can't pray for the people that have done us wrong, and do it with love and compassion, honestly, we need to start over at step one - forgiveness.
The scripture tells us to "forgive so that we may be forgiven".
I was talking with a friend of mine at the end of the week and I told her that I don't feel like I've gotten anywhere at all in my quiet times with Papa this week. I was somewhat frustrated that I didn't have any more direction than what I started with on Sunday. Sure, I heard from God through His Word, but that wasn't all I was looking for. She was able to point out to me what's been going on. I had prayed to be rid of anything that would hinder His presence, and that's just what He was doing. Revealing those things that I needed to get rid of...
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Papa, I praise You for what You are doing in and through me. Thank You for revealing to me those things that I need to pray through and bring into the light. Thank You for this newfound hunger for Your word and for speaking to me through it. Thank You for loving me enough not to give up on me. Twelve years is a long time to be saved and just now reaching the maturity level that I'm getting to, but, hallelujah!, You have brought me this far! I love You so much Abba, and I can't stop thanking You for Who You are. God, I pray for those that will read this. I ask You to give them a fresh hunger, a new passion for Your Word and Your presence. I bless them with good health, prosperity, wisdom and understanding, love and compassion, healthy relationships and that they may be highly favored in the name of Jesus! As always, love You so much!
Love,
Your little girl
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