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Little_1 -> RE: What was the last thing the Holy Spirit challenged you about? (4/3/2008 6:13:13 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: designed So far since I have seen this thread title, I have admittedly felt the urge to share in this area. But of course I have that little nagging “feeling” like; you don’t need to share something so personal in a public forum with perfect strangers. It’s not necessary. It’s just between myself and the Lord...right? Well I can say that the“nagging” has been overwhelmed by a more urgent prompting of, yes, share this with others. This is very difficult for me so please understand the "un"specifics. I’ve been struggling with my flesh. Same ol song and dance for me. Just when I think I’ve got this little thorn in my side pulled out (only in the strength of Christ), I happen to do something (or not do the right things) that gives root to it again. I’m tired and weary but I’ve been down harder before. The Holy Spirit has been gentle yet increasingly persistent. I thank God for this. I know I am His. I know He will have His perfect work in me. I know He is the one who encourages, chastises and leads me in this daily fight I have been having. Along with a repentant heart, I have been moving daily little by little in the areas the Lord has been prompting me to, but one response I think I should have is to ask for prayers. That’s always been hard for me to say, but I know that I do need them. Designed - you have really encouraged me in your post. The one thing that the Lord would have us be and that is 'honest'. Sometimes we are afraid to admit we are struggling with sin and try and hide it for fear of what others may think. God's grace and mercy never runs dry for those who uncover their sin before Him and like you say - God knows what you are struggling with without sharing in great detail. I thank God for the way He is dealing with you in that He loves you so much that He does not want you to remain as you are. It is good that His Holy Spirit is prompting you in whatever area(s) need to come under His guidance and help and a very healthy sign that the Lord has a work He wants to do within you where He can show you more of His great love, mercy and power. I am reading a book at the moment and the author speaks about her struggles with the flesh. She has had some of the same struggles of the flesh as I have had (and some I still do) but slowly, step-by-step the Lord has helped her to surrender these less than the best desires of her flesh to Him. In their place, God has given her the things that money cannot buy and is using her as a channel of great blessing towards others and all because she came to the point where she said "yes" to God and "no" to her own desires and ambitions. Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted but he was without sin because He was so surrendered to God in His life that the Holy Spirit was able to work mighty power through Him. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus was able to defeat sin. The Holy Spirit is powerful - He raised Jesus from the dead. He will not force Himself to make us do anything however; instead He longingly waits for us to realise that His way really is best and that God only wants to give us the ultimate best. When we stop trying to run our own lives - we give the Holy Spirit a chance to work in us. It is challenging to give our own will and desires up to God but He always gives us much, much more in return. Thank you for being honest. May God bless you and help you in the power of His Holy Spirit to be all He wants you to be.
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