Passing the test before moving on to the next level

I was listening to a sermon on the radio this past Saturday and the pastor made a profound statement that I had to write on this week. He said teachers may pass you along in school, but God will not until you learn the lesson He is trying to show you.

How many of you have felt like you have been going through the same rigmarole for what seems like forever, or taking the same life test over and over again. Going back to the same relationships that are not working, continuously establishing friendships with takers when you are a giver and getting upset when people continue to take from you, and still not learning that nagging and fussing in a marriage about the same thing is not working…the list can go on and on with examples, but I believe you get my point.

Whatever it is today that you know God is trying to show you, or have been trying to show you, please just surrender and let God have His way. His way is best and He knows exactly what we need in order to progress to the next level.

How many of you have heard this: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. How many of you are experiencing this now and are getting frustrated with yourself and God because it’s not working? Sometimes we want God to co-sign on our madness, but He is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). That’s the role of the enemy; to stir up confusion and discord. God wants us to pursue peace (Hebrews 12:14). Praise God! I feel He is speaking to me even as I’m typing these words to you. Personally, I don’t want to repeat the same lessons in my thirties that was shown to me in my twenties. Can you relate in your life?

If you have tried it your way and it’s not working, then it’s time to turn to the one who has all wisdom and wants the best for your life. In the first chapter of the Book of James, it tells us to seek the Lord if we lack wisdom. The one who knew you before you were born (Jer. 1:5) and has plans for you.

Now old habits may be hard to break, but we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us to help us do God’s will. We have the mind of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please do not allow the enemy to have control over the matters of your life anymore. Resist the devil and he has to flee from you (James 4:7).

I pray that this post ministers to you today and that God will speak to your specific situation. The enemy does not want us to be whole so that we will miss the opportunity to spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ effectively around the world. We all have a purpose. Ask God to help you walk in yours today.

Have a blessed week!
Love you in Christ,
Ayesha L. Shoulders