Picking up from the Sunday School lesson on 11/12/23…
Prayer not only grants us strength but, more importantly, when we engage in prayer with God, we keep our hearts and minds focused on Him. God will never lead us astray.
When we fail to follow God's specific instructions, what can we say in response? Excuses such as being tired or busy often arise, particularly in moments where we feel prompted to approach someone and share our faith. Though I have made progress in adhering to the Spirit's guidance, there are still times when I falter, and I have no excuse for it.
A committed relationship with God should naturally align all other decisions.
If we acknowledge God's sovereignty and recognize His deserving of our obedience, there is no real choice at all. Faith, akin to a muscle, strengthens with use.
I encourage you to undertake this reflection as well. Regarding my notes, similar accounts in the Gospels provide varied perspectives, much like witnesses in a detective investigation. The details may differ, but the truth remains consistent.
One notable point in this comparison is Matthew's mention that Jesus “fell on His face.” Does this imply a physical prostration, or is it a symbolic expression of spiritual humility? Consider instances when you've knelt to pray and poured out your heart – this might be akin to “falling on your face.”
This isn't a question for public response, but I urge you to contemplate it prayerfully. I've faced and overcome a significant issue with God's help. While I may not share it publicly, I'm willing to discuss it privately for mutual edification.
It's crucial to note that healing occurred solely through prayer and seeking deliverance. However, the flesh remains weak, requiring ongoing vigilance to prevent a return to old habits.
Fast forward to Sunday morning; God urges me to share. Despite the lesson emphasizing following and willingness, I initially refused, fearing that people would lose faith in me. How hypocritical! This contradiction in myself servers to highlight the ongoing struggle between obedience and rebellion. Right after sharing that if we truly love God we will follow him ALWAYS - and I was rebelling.
Trusting God, here are my actual notes:
Expanding on that... No one else is to blame for my sin but me. In my early years, experiences of abuse and early access to pornography normalized certain behaviors. This distorted perspective shaped my understanding of right and wrong. Telling one lie was viewed as mere deception, taking things that didn't belong to me seemed trivial, and Jesus's teachings about lust were far from my reality.
As I matured, I came to comprehend the profound impact of these behaviors. Telling one lie makes you a liar, taking anything that doesn't belong to you makes you a thief, and Jesus's words on lust hit home. The struggle with guilt persisted, especially when considering how looking at porn is, in essence, being guilty of lust.
Through prayer and seeking deliverance, I've been fortunate to overcome these struggles. It's important to acknowledge the journey, including the challenges of abuse, early exposure to pornography, and the distorted moral compass. If my openness about these struggles can help others find strength, then it's worth any discomfort. To God be the Glory!
So well said! And the recommendation to compare the accounts is excellent.