if then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was i that i could stand in God’s way?” [acts 11:17]

 

standing in God’s way – is never a good thing or a godly thing.

 

couldn’t list all the number of times i have tried to stand in God’s way. here are a few. can you relate…

  • trying to make my dream come true instead of following God’s will
  • not sharing his love and truth when i know he was asking me to
  • being silent when i should have spoke up
  • coddling and protecting someone in their sin
  • coddling and protecting me in my sin
  • trying to shape someone into my image instead of the image of Christ
  • speaking words of bitterness and condemnation instead of grace to one in sin
  • not encouraging a sister when i knew God was urging me to
  • holding on to my anger when he was trying to give me mercy and grace
  • living in anxiousness instead of remembering the peace he offers

 

i could on and on and on …. and on.

 

today,

how about you and i decide not to stand in God’s way.

how?

 

right now,

– submit to the Spirit and ask him to give you joy as he does his will in you and through you.

– ask him to fill you all day(not just for a moment) with his Spirit and joyful submission.

– ask him. he loves this prayer!

 

and going a little farther he (Jesus) fell on his face and prayed, saying, “my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as i will, but as you will. [matt 26:39]

 

~ john ryan