Running Your Race on Cold Windy DaysSample

Many trials come simply because we live in a fallen world, and God uses them to train us to trust Him, release control, and depend on Him. But some tests, trials, and dry times come because of sin. Sin separates us from God or at least creates a tension between us that is increasingly uncomfortable. It is always good to check with our Father as we begin to seek refreshing to see if there is anything between us that we need to clear through confession and repentance and to be sure that we are open and clean with Him to start fresh.

Often there is nothing big and obvious, but a prayer from Psalm 139:23,24 always helps me in this situation. It goes, “Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” It only makes sense to keep ourselves open to correction sooner rather than later. I also love Psalm 19:12,13: “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults, keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me.” Sweet and simple, but keys to open my heart to our Father.

God’s Spirit may reveal something that we didn’t recognize our Father wants us to see or recognize. It is possible that we do know about it but have been hiding or avoiding something. It might even be something we know about but didn’t think was important.

Praying and sitting quietly for a few moments is the way to move the ball forward. If there is anything we need to realize, the Holy Spirit will let us know. It’s just Who He is! What He does! I like to pray these prayers at odd times when there is no specific reason just because it is so easy for me to run past a small thing that can grow into a much bigger problem. Better to catch them early.

1 John 1:7 says “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have true fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Walking in the light means not hiding our stuff in the darkness where the enemy dwells. Light always sends darkness away. What are your thoughts? Share them.

As you go through this process never forget Romans 8:1 “THERE IS THEREFORE NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS” This is about cleansing NOT condemnation. What do you think?