Are They Strengths or Strongholds?
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6
Lately, I’ve been struggling with conviction…… A LOT of conviction. Now, that’s not a bad thing at all, but it sure isn’t fun when you’re in the midst of it. I’m finding that it requires a personal honesty that is hard to maintain because as the Spirit reveals things in us that need to be purified or removed we MUST be honest enough to admit that its been or is currently a problem.
So for me, I’ve come to realize that some of the things I counted as BIG personal strengths, have instead become strongholds of sin and hurt in my life. I’m not sure if that makes sense to any of you, but its absolutely broken my heart. I want to live in my strengths but I’ve come to realize that I NEED God to live through them or I start to take them too far. For instance: I’m an “idea” guy, a “dreamer” but what I’ve realized is that I’ve become somewhat of an idea bully, and I’m pretty good at it. I’m not sure to the full extent of harm its caused but I’m praying for God to break me of it and to break me of the pride and selfishness that lays in my heart that drives that.
So what does all that have to do with Matthew 5:6? Well, I think its appropriate that we landed on this Beatitude this week. I’ve been struggling for almost 3 weeks now with things the Spirit has been showing me but just this past week hit a place where I was willing to be broken enough about it to admit it and to ask forgiveness from those around me for it. And I see now that I have to desire RIGHTEOUSNESS more than effectiveness or success or platitudes. I have to seek after if so much that I’m willing to lay down EVERY part of myself (my character, my personality, my abilities, my weaknesses, my body) so that Christ may mold me after Himself. Its simple, but not easy, just like His grace is free but costly. So if you’re reading this and I’ve caused pain because of my words, actions, or my sin….. I’m so sorry and I can’t apologize enough except to ask that you might forgive me. I’m praying for you, I hope you’re praying for me.
Total time in prayer this week: 1 hour
If you have a stronghold in your life you want me to pray for, let me know!
