God is on Your Side
It’s important to understand God is against anything that is against you. Consequently, the way He answers prayer is far reaching, and often seems counterintuitive to our way of thinking. Our prayers tend to be more surface level than we realize. We want quick solutions. No fuss, no muss, and definitely pain-free. In many instances, we ask Him for pain-relief, which in itself is not bad. But then, even removing a sliver involves discomfort. In short, things may appear to get worse, before they get better. Why?
Being the Good Father He is, God will use circumstances to expose anything that interferes with our relationship with Him, and that which hinders us from conforming to the image of Jesus. Below the surface may lurk agents of pain; not just pain itself. Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy. For instance, have you ever done something regretful, which you knew better than to do? Why pray tell, would anyone do that? In some cases, it self-sabotage. What people believe may actually lead them down the path of self-destruction.
Matthew 15:13 But He answered and said, Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
While this passage of Scripture, Jesus was actually referencing the Pharisees of His day, the principle does apply to other areas. Especially, if you consider the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20 and Luke 8:4-15). Words work like seeds planted in our hearts. The type of fruit that is produced is dependent on the type of seed planted. How many know there’s been a lot of bad seeds planted? What we believe in our heart will manifest. Time to pull weeds!
Mark 7:20-23 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man” (NASB).
Many thoughts we have did not originate with us; they came from others. Some of those thoughts are untrue, but we believed them anyway. They became part of us, and our belief system, which in turn affects our thought process. This is a reason we are encouraged to renew (renovate) our minds (see Romans 12:1-2). In the process, we eject the negative, self-destructive thoughts, and receive the truth through which freedom comes.
John 8:31-21 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
In may instances, we are unaware of those things that were planted. They include strongholds (wrong narratives, or thought processes), pride, lust, bitterness, envy and so on. When exposure comes, we have a decision to make. We either hang on to whatever it may be, or we deal with it, and let it go. Hardship presents opportunities to become more Christ-like if we look for God in everything. It’s one of the reasons to ask for clarity, and wisdom. To see things as He sees them, and address things His way. Yes, that includes repentance.
The Valleys
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Please note, this verse does not say, “Because You rescued me from the valley, or helped me skirt the issue, I will fear no evil.” Nor does it say, “Because you removed the valley, I will fear no evil.” It says, “Because You are with me, Your rod (protection) and your staff (guidance), they comfort me.” That means He will guide and protect you through the valley, and get you to the other side.
It means trusting Him, regardless of the circumstances, and appearances. Especially, if things seem to be the polar opposite of which you prayed. As we continue to read the chapter, we also discover the enemy is powerless to do anything about it when the Lord is involved. People give the devil too much credit!
Psalm 23:5-6 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Look for total breakthrough in everything, not just the situation itself. This includes the newly-found freedom by embracing the truth. Being rid of those things that invaded your peace, while seeking to steal your joy. By the way, this is not to say things will always to get worse before getting better. However, should such an occasion arise, look for God in your circumstances.
