As I sit down to share insight and revelation with you today I am reminded of a simple but profound statement the Lord shared with me during a health challenge I faced a number of years ago. When facing something that could be life threatening it’s easy to retreat into thinking about all the negative possibilities. If you are facing an uncertain challenge in any area of your life right now, you are at the door of decision. Are you going to turn to God or turn away from God? No one can make that decision for you.
I decided to press into God. For most of you reading this post, I trust you will understand when I say God seemed distant at that moment in time. I needed to remind myself that He promised to never leave me or forsake me [Heb 13:5; NKJV]. It didn’t matter how I felt, God promised and He doesn’t lie. I needed to know what to do. Being a teacher, I think of things in a linear fashion; step 1, 2, 3, etc. So what I am about to share is the beginning of my healing journey. It’s what God showed me. I caution each of you to press into your own personal journey. We may have similar experiences but always remember God knows just what each of us needs and how to get it to us.
The challenge presented itself! My response:
Step 1: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you [James 4:8; NKJV]. Remind yourself that He will never leave you or forsake you. If other thoughts try to take your attention off that TRUTH, refuse to believe them.
Step 2: Our God is a living God. Living means communication. Get it settled that God will guide you into the truth. He has THE way of deliverance and wants us to experience His salvation. God is not trying to hold things back from us. He is trying to get things to us.
Step 3: Turn off distractions and focus on hearing from God. For me, this meant creating a God atmosphere. Saturate the atmosphere with praise and worship music. Sing and worship to Him not because of what He could give me but because He is worthy of my praise [2 Samuel 2:24; NKJV]. Turn my focus to Heaven to be in His presence.
Step 4: In prayer ask Him for wisdom and be willing to do what He says.
And then God said “Shut the front door.” [James 4:7; NKJV] In an instant I knew I had allowed the enemy access into my life at his will because I harbored anger and unforgiveness. I saw the specific people I needed to forgive. I was again at a decision point. Was I willing to shut the front door on the enemy’s access so God could intervene on my behalf? I was!
So today you may be facing a challenge that needs a God solution. Whatever you need to get settled, get it settled. In your time of trouble turn to God not away from God. Trust He will guide you into the truth [John 16:13; NKJV] you need for this moment in time. And I highly recommend if He tells you to do something, do it. It is time to shut the front door on the enemy.