Don’t Stop Praying
By Lana Moline
Maybe last week didn’t go as well as you expected or planned or now you are feeling the impact of a few bad decisions. Whatever it is, you have found yourself at a place in a slump looking for the bright side that everyone promises is there. Well it is there, you’ve just got to keep believing and searching for it. In other words, DON’T STOP PRAYING!
The journey is the itinerary or agenda and sometimes it will include difficult tests that you may not be prepared for. It’s ok though because pre-test simply prepare us for our next encounter. I had a gentleman say to me one time “you’ve never seen a bad day in your life.” I have seen some bad days but I keep them in perspective as lessons. I used to beat myself up about mistakes that I made until I realize that it didn’t do any good. It was a waste of time and energy and a huge distraction. In evaluating some of my hard lessons, I realized that my biggest regret came from me trying to work it all out in my own strength and not continuously praying about it.
I learned the true meaning of love when I sincerely opened up to God about something that I knew He disapproved of. Follow me for a moment.
I have to make a disclaimer because my posts are my devotions that God allows me to make public. There are plenty that are extremely private but the ones that I publish are the ones that God will use in some way. So whosever heart this touches, please know that God loves you right where you are.
A while back I was a willing participant in wrong thinking. As a result, this wrong thinking led to mishaps that were just wrong from the start. As I grew in Christ, I kept wondering why I found myself back at the point of struggling with myself when I was clear what the word of God says. God showed mercy on me and began to speak to my heart regarding my flawed thinking and that is when I went to Him in sincerity. Here’s the thing, I knew where I was and where I desired to be but I couldn’t quite find my way from one point to the other. So one day I prayed that God gently show me the error of my ways and teach me the correct way and He did. God and His mercy tapped me on the shoulder and pointed out examples of what could happen if He withdrew His hand. From that moment on, our relationship deepened and my life was forever changed.
I think many Christians may fall into the belief that once you are saved you should be past some things and that may be true. But it doesn’t make you invincible or immune from sin. Prayer is your IV to God’s mercy and protection. Go to God with everything in truth. There is no judgment. He loves you so please don’t shut Him out.
Lana Moline is an integral part of the Blackloveandmarriage.com writing team, freelance writer and poet who lives in Ft. Worth with her three kids and husband Emile. Married 11 years, both media professionals have vowed to maintain integrity in all aspects of print and broadcast journalism.Visit her atLana Moline Speaks.
Thank you for your transparency Lana. Your words help me to understand that I am o.k.
You are more than ok Joanne. You are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Hang in there!
Thank God for your heartfelt words. I have been beating myself up for poor decisions that I made in the past. Sometimes its hard even as Christians to recover and refocus, but as I look back, I realize, he's never failed me yet. I always seem to make it through the rough times "somehow." You inspire me with your words… Continue to uplift.
Mik
Think about it this way – God forgives us so if we linger and beat ourselves up then we are calling God a liar and that is NOT what we want to do because God is truth and love and righteousness. We learn, we grow, we continue to live. Thanks for checking us out. Keep your head up and cut yourself some slack because God is not through with you (or me) yet. Peace and blessings Sister!
My recent post Move Him In
I needed to read this today because I've just about given up on my relationship with my mom. Thank you Lana
Hang in there Bree! God is able!
My recent post Move Him In