What if I told you that your problem is not proximity, but perspective?
Often times when things go unfavorably in our lives we think it is because we are far from God. In some cases, yes, that is true. Our sin can often cause us to be uncovered by the protection that comes from yielding our lives to Jesus Christ. Other time though, your proximity is on point. If you got any closer to Jesus you’d practically be laying in His arms. Why then does affliction come to the righteous (ones living right by the power of Holy Spirit)?
What I am learning from my own life is that affliction comes to draw out of us every single thing that is contrary to the God we serve. I was talking to my sister yesterday and lamenting on an area I desire that God heal in my life. More than the words rolling off my tongue, I heard the tone in which they rolled as I said, “I mean come on! I have been living right and I am still years later asking God to heal me. What else can I do?!” Oh my friend, my heart was being revealed right before my eyes. My little entitled self thought just because I was doing what I was supposed to do according to the faith I professed that it was like a ‘get out of jail free,’ card. I had the perspective, whether I wanted to admit it then or not, that God OWED ME healing for me doing a good job. It is similar to a ‘dead beat dad’ that finally bought the baby some pampers, everyone praises him on Father’s Day, but bro, you were doing what you should have been doing all along and more! Why would I reward you for something you were supposed to be doing already. The same attitude I felt half of the readers have while looking at that, is the SAME way God views it when we obey Him, and think we are supposed to get likes and hearts on a picture because we are so good. It doesn’t work that way with God.
One thing I am learning about God is that He is Sovereign. That means he has ultimate power. It is NOTHING for Him to heal my afflictions RIGHT NOW! But, if He did, in the condition my heart was in just last night, with a broken perspective of Him, and flaws in myself, then what would I have learned? Would I truly be faithful to serve Him and trust Him and run hard for Him if He lifted my burden right now? I’d hope so, but God has a way of letting time take its time so we know for sure.
This morning I was listening to a sermon to encourage myself and gain right perspective, and the preacher gave some scriptures that gave my flesh an attitude, by gave my spirit perspective until my flesh lined on up.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psalm 119: 67, 71, 75
I can hear the tire screeches in your mind as you read this. God allowed affliction and dude was grateful for it?! Yes, and honestly, while it hurts and if I could get healed today, I would, I agree. Y’all if God had not allowed some of the things I am going through to be, I’d still be doing me, prideful, making excuses for my wrong living, and holding dear to the attitude of entitlement. But thanks be to God that through this affliction, I am learning to obey His Word all the more and seeing how good and gracious He is.
Hebrews 12:6-11 reads…
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
It is good when our loving God does not allow us to stay stuck in sin or in skewed perspective of Him. His discipline is showing us His love!
So yes, as close as you are to God in hardship, be all the closer to right perspective of Him. He is truly a way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness. Do you believe it even if the miracle is taking its time? I’m learning consistency and to STOP COMPLAINING! God IS good and time doesn’t change that, affliction doesn’t change that, and the lies of our enemy, the devil, doesn’t change that! Make up in your mind, WITH ME, today, that God, I will not complain, and I will still choose to see you as good. Y’all, the things we are believing for have an appointed time.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9
Be encouraged. Be faithful. Hold right perspective of our glorious God. The miracle will still come, simply, because He is good.
#perspective #GodIsStillMoving #Miraclesin2020 #refreshher
Refresh Her Course 
This is by far one of the most life giving post that I have read. Thank you sis!! This is the key to victory. I praise God for the right perspective ❤️
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Glory to God! You are welcome! It is one of the biggest lessons I am having to learn, and you’re RIGHT, it IS indeed the key to victory. The sooner our perspective shifts toward believing all God said about himself and us, the SOONER we experience victory! #shifting Thank you for reading! ☺️
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