HAVING DONE ALL TO STAND...

Sit back and watch lil babies try to crawl. They do everything possible to get to their destination, even if they have to start crawling with their bellies until their hands and knees are strong enough to keep them up. After gaining some kind of experience in crawling, they try standing. Our hearts sometimes skip when we see them stagger and fall. Truth is, they like exploring, so they are not afraid of tryin and tryin again until they eventually stand without any form of support. Wouldn't you be worried if this process is reversed as they grow older? Lol

We can liking this to our present situation as believers. We've heard sermons so much that we can mimic preachers. We can quote scriptures during sword drills, or when we stand to pray. We've memorized words to eulogize God's name in our cell group meetings. We've attended seminars and revival meetings. We've never missed a Sunday school class throughout the year. Our attendance in Church is quite encouraging. As far as devotion to church activities is concerned, you always top the chart, but that would be pointless if all these are done solely out of zeal and not revelation. T.D Jakes puts it this way "We can be so busy with doing the work of the Lord, that we lose relationship with the Lord of the work"

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40nights, and when He had finished subduing the flesh, the devil came to test Him with what He was longing for @ dt point in time - food. He was hungry, and it wouldn't have been out of place to turn the stone to bread, but He said "Man shall not live by bread 'ALONE' but by 'EVERY' word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" That it's good don't mean it's the right thing to do.

You know there are sometimes you wait on God for something n when u see a semblance of that thing, you begin to give God thanks. Take relationships for example. Personally, I struggled in one for a while. I knew that couldn't have been God's choice 4 me, but I was trying to squeeze her into the image. (Pardon me, ladies)

Permit me to be blunt, but If He/she ain't the type you can call to join hands in agreement as touching a matter, or mention the name of Jesus freely around, then it's possible that God hasn't spoken yet. You're probably hearing your own voice saying "you can convert him/him after marriage." Or the voice of your parents saying "you're getting old. All your friends are married."

Having done all (waiting on God, fasting and praying, calling forth and claiming) do you really think God wants to give you someone who will hit you or someone who will restrict you from coming into His presence? Or someone who will be pissed off when you mention the name of Jesus?

It looks like it, but you know it's not it. You try to garnish it, and quote some scriptures to justify what you're about to do.

Fam, if you weigh it against the word of God and it is found wanting, then there's no gainsaying, It may not be God speaking to you. Ask Him for clarity.

I don't know how I got here. It a process that took a while, and I sure do not want to repeat the process. We've come to a phase in our lives where it should be all about HIM. We have come this far. Going back will be the worst decision we'll ever make.

It's difficult to say "God, if this ain't your will, I'll just pass! Not my will but yours be done" But very easy to say "Lord, if I let this one slip away, who's gonna pay the bills?" "If I don't accept this Job now, I might be jobless for a very long time" That sounds like you complaining, right? But having done all to stand; having stayed up every friday night speaking in tongues and rendering the forces of darkness in your area homeless; after all the sacrifices we made just to be in church for tuesday bible study; after all the counseling sessions; having spent hours and hours reading and studying the word; after patiently seeking His face, and trusting Him to show up; having done all to stand......the least we can do is stand!

The devil will strike; situations will come to test the depth of God's word in us; trials and temptation will come to shake us, so "take up unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all to stand, STAND therefore, having ur loins girt about with truth......" Ephesians 6:13-14

The race is not easy, but may God grant us the grace to remain steadfast until we finish it...until we finish it WELL. IJN