Two months ago I had planned to share some insights on prayer. I know now why God had me wait because I understand a little better what has been happening to me and why I have faced such overwhelming trials here lately. I have to confess I have almost drowned, made many errors, shrank back, put down my shield and leaned on my own understanding many times. How grateful I am for the faithfulness of God who has not let me drown or be totally overcome but has with patience strengthened and taught me the things I am about to share. In Romans 12:2 God tells us to be renewed in our minds which will result in a transformation which will enable us to prove what is the perfect and acceptable will of God. There are three things that happen in this verse a process which is very tied into the process described in Matt. 7:7,8 of asking, seeking and knocking. These are three very different and progressively ordered activities in the realm of prayer and faith. For years now I have been sharing my journey in discovering and participating in bringing into manifestation God's will in the area of healing and wholeness both personally and for the Body of Christ. This has been a definite process involving stages of prayer. 1. In any venture first there has to be a starting point. We must ask for God's mind, for wisdom (James 1:5) and a knowledge of His will in the situation. This is the renewing of our mind and the time when faith for believing prayer is planted like a seed in our hearts. 2. At this point comes a time of seeking when we will find the basis for God's revealed will in His word. This is a growing time for faith as God sets us on the firm foundation of His Word. As faith ripens through seeking we receive the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). This results in transformation as we depart from the world's way and begin to walk by the faith God has given us, assured that we are praying in His will and armed with the sword of the Spirit. 3. Now we can knock. Faith becomes activated at this point and we go on to prove what we know to be God's perfect will by exercising our faith which I liken to walking on water. This is perhaps the most difficult step of all and we can be tempted to settle for knowledge instead of life to believe but not receive. As we get out of the boat our faith is sorely tested by many conflicting waves but in order to receive from God what was promised, we must move from intellectual assent to action. I realize now that for a long time I have been knocking. I am walking on water in regard to many things I have prayed for over many years. It's not easy to prove God's perfect will we are challenged on every side. The enemy doesn't care how much revelation we have or how transformed our thoughts are as long as we never go on to prove anything. He will fight at this point and we must not stop short but overcome him. I was recently reminded that it is not only the one who walks on water that benefits. Those who have stayed in the boat will also see it and put their trust in Him. How precious are His principles of faith and His ways and works among His people.
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