Sometimes we give the enemy (satan) far too much credit, blaming him for everything that goes wrong in our life when really it is not even him, but us that has caused the situation or mess we are in!
In the last part we saw if The Lord gives His word to a person or people who DON’T PLANT IT IN THE RIGHT SEASON, He will take it and pass it to another who will so the word will accomplish what He desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it. And the previous part we spoke about the enemy stealing the word!
Today we address another way we lose the words we receive its US that lose it. “US”
I cannot count the number of times I have heard in conversation or counselling session that “the enemy made me do it” or “it was an attack of the enemy” or “the Lord wouldn’t allow me to do it”. Now yes all these can be true, but they can also be used by us as an excuse to justify a decision, direction, situation or circumstance.
But why? For some reason justification seems to appease and make us feel better, But it also is a mask for something that needs to be sorted, usually a heart condition. These heart conditions often start small and if not addressed can get to a point where they explode or implode which in turn creates massive hurt, not only to ourselves, but also to others. (Remember hurt or hurting people hurt people).
Matthew 19:16-22
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler
“Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’‘Honour your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions”.
Did the rich young ruler have satan take this word away from him? No! Did The Lord take it from him ? No, He was trying His best to provide an invitation for the rich young ruler.
So what was it then? It was himself! I wonder how often we have opportunities like the rich young ruler to follow Jesus in things and simply we say NO?
Matthew 8:21-22 (TPT)
“Then another man spoke up and said, “Lord, I’ll follow you, but first I must take care of my aged father and bury him when he dies.”
But Jesus said to him, “Now is the time to follow me, and let those who are dead bury their own dead.”
Jesus simple yet profound invitation never changes or ends, it is always: ‘COME FOLLOW ME!’ Once we have all heard it, our heart and mind has choice to how we will respond, with a YES Lord I am coming, or NO Lord I am not coming! Selah here, one leads us to justification and one leads us to freedom as we sort it out.
Did you know justification (“I know or where we use excuses”) is not a place where we are strong and free?
For a place of justification is not a place we can judge clearly or see clearly. We need a Trusted person or God, or Holy Spirit to give us clarity and perspective.
Have you got someone in your life you can be open, frank, and honest with? Who will not judge you, but equip you? So you don’t make the same mistakes, live in a place of regret, sin, hurt or pain? Who has clear strong discernment, one that hears from the Lord AND is willing to pass on a word regardless of what it is, to you in love?
Challenge Time:
Selah here, and ask God these questions and record all He says and who He says, and if not yet, pray that person into your life and ask for timing of when to ask them to be that Trusted person you can share with.
We justify to stay where we are OR to cover up what we can do, or where we are going.
YET it is not helpful, it is a hinderance and hurdle to us becoming who God created and designed us to be.
It’s here in justification that Self is on the throne, me, I myself I am trusting and relying on, insecurity, past hurts and wounds are robbing me from the FUTURE and Day God has planned for me to enjoy and Find abundant life in.
Let’s pause there, next time we’ll carry on with this session, because out of all the ways we can loose His word. I believe US is one of the biggest hurdles. (We only have to look at the promises unfulfilled and buried in our cemetery to see this).
Challenges Continue: Grab your journal and space to be with the Lord, and record His responses.
- God what excuses (justification) are there in my life that I am using?
- God what cover ups are in my life, that are leading me to be living under a lie?
- God how are You inviting me to sort out these excuses? What are You saying?
- God what is Your truth, a verse to counter act these cover ups?
- Declare the Truth, verses you have been given in faith daily.
- Worship God – Raise a Hallelujah to the One who will not allow you to stay in the place of justification but desires for your Complete Freedom.
Father God, we love You, and thank You that You don’t want us to live in a place of justification or excuse but rather in Complete Freedom as Beloved sons and daughters, who are equipped to hear You and live the word (daily bread) You have given us for our good and Your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
