July 31, 2013

A Latin mass from the 15th century offers this prayer,
"Between us and Thyself remove
Whatever hindrances may be,
That so our inmost heart may prove
A holy temple, meet for thee."*

How many of us would REALLY, HONESTLY, TRULY pray that prayer?  Do we want to know, with no reservations, what is hindering us from being a "holy temple"?

As I pondered this question, "why not" popped into my head.

Perhaps it is because we are afraid of what God will tell us.  Too much golf.  Love that person at work you cannot stand.  Give that extra money to a ministry.  Change your attitude about homosexuals.  Find a local body of believers and attend worship on a REGULAR basis.

Or perhaps it is because we doubt God's power.  We are afraid that if God sheds light on an area in which we need improvement we will be unable to make those changes.  Well, WE can't.  On our own power, any substantial change is fleeting at best.  But with God's power change is not only a possibility, but a guarantee.

If we go to our Heavenly Father and earnestly pray for Him to reveal "hindrances" in our lives, He will show those areas to us.  In addition, He will give us the wisdom, strength and tools to make those changes.  More often than not those changes won't be overnight and we will fall back into old behavior patterns again and again, but there will be consistent, noticeable improvement if we rely on God's power.

A God whose very essence is love would not reveal our weaknesses then turn away.  "Hey, you gotta' fix this but expect no help from me.  Good luck.  Come back when you have it worked out."

Scripture is replete with reassurances that He will give us strength for whatever He requires.

13Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  14If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.  John 14:13-14

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6


¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Trust God.  Ask God.  Obey God.  He will never leave or forsake you.

*http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?fk_files=1471279&pageno=11