|
|
With Repentance We Make 'Breakthroughs'
How often do you run into roadblocks, confront problems that seem intractable, contemplate the matters in your life that seem "unbreakable," and thus prevent breakthroughs (to well-being, holiness, or health)? Do you feel in "bondage" when it comes to progress, in gaining graces and blessings you're convinced God has in store for you?
We're not talking "prosperity praying," here. We're speaking of what, in your progress toward happiness and contentment, may be holding you back.
It could be what for lack of a better term is a "curse" -- but not the type you usually envision. Instead, call it the "curse of what is unrepented."
When we are finding delay, denial, or diminishing of what we seek, it can be because we have not repented from something.
There is not full benefit without that.
In deep prayer, ask the Lord to reveal in dreams or the events of life (or what you read, or others say to you) what you may need to cleanse from your history through authentic repentance -- things forgotten or that you may not have considered faults or sins to begin with.
Is there something "legal" working against you? Do you have a "bungee" cord on your back, something that pulls us back every time you nearly get to the place you want to be?
God may have an "upgrade" for you that you are not reaching -- that is not being realized -- due to a curse or curses.
If we get rid of those legal rights, we see breakthroughs (if what we seek is in God's Will).
Only when we deserve it can a curse "alight" (Proverbs). Let's quote it directly: "Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so a curse without cause shall not alight (26:2). Let the Lord reveal to you if there is a flitting sparrow that not only has landed on you, but built a nest.
Did you ever wonder at how strong some nests can be?
This is why regular Confession is so important.
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse. This makes a devotion a deep one. Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness. Is there hidden "unforgiveness" in your life? This too is a bungee cord. Is there sexual fantasy and lust or anger, even hatred? Be aggressive against what may be holding you back in your life or history or the sins of your forefathers (so: pray repentance for them; for previous generations).
Christ on the Cross broke the curse of the law (making Himself a curse for our sake, and rendering them illegitimate), but we don't benefit from it when we are in bondage. Curses don't end until you stop them. Is there something giving the devil an opening, a legal right? What "legal right" might be working? Have we broken our word with the Lord in the past and failed to ask for forgiveness? How often are we frustrated because we are failing to reach what we were actually built for?
The enemy looks for openings through which to send curses. He is an expert lawyer! He uses curses to frustrate and defeat us.
"You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
Break forth the wells. Let His blessing pour out. Remove the gravel, stones, or boulders that clog the well. Do it by clearing all past transgressions with authentic repentance which means a final dedication not to repeat an imperfection.
Oh, it's difficult. But with His Grace, we glide toward the purity that not only may open avenues here on earth but more to the point in the hereafter.
[see also: The slow slide into sin]
Afterlife Angels Apparitions Commentaries Healing Inspiration Miracles Prophecy Health Church and Sacraments Spiritual Warfare