Surely it is not always comfortable to examine our spiritual progress, but it is necessary. Yes, it reveals both good and bad, but instead of condemning ourselves during this process, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to convict us to change.
“Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]” (Rom. 8:1, AMP).
We can’t change the past, but we can adjust the way in which we handle a similar situation today. And isn’t this part of the forgiveness process anyway? Taking our failures to God and seeking forgiveness from Him and relying upon His strength in the areas we are weak.
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]” (1 John 1:9).
With sincerity of heart pray: Father God, forgive me for the areas that I have just plain missed it. Holy Spirit, teach me how to make amends with those that I have offended, and show me how to transform this area of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Self-examination not only reveals our past mistakes, but it also highlights our successes with God. And it is the only way we can know our standing in the Lord. If we do not examine ourselves we are unaware of the progress we have made in Him. It is an important tool of assessment in our everyday walk with God.
When it comes to faith for healing, I remember when I didn’t even know about healing. And then after I became born again, it took time for my mind and heart to be renewed in this area. There was a time I found myself begging and pleading God for healing as if He had been the one responsible for sickness. But since those days, I have repented, studied the Word and allowed His healing message take root and transform my life to where I am today–encouraging you to move forward in this area of your life.
With a heart of thanksgiving, pray: Father God, I am so grateful that I am not the person I once was, but that You, Holy Spirit have been with me every step of the way, and I have truly advanced spiritually. I thank You for this encouraging spiritual report, in Jesus’ name, amen.
So don’t be afraid to examine your spiritual progress. I have found that the Lord is very encouraging when it comes to correcting us. Yes, He deals with the situation head-on, but He builds us up to trust in His power to change.
“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?” (2 Cor. 13:5, AMPC). {eoa}
Becky Dvorak is a prophetic healing evangelist and the author of DARE to Believe, Greater Than Magic and The Healing Creed. Visit her at authorbeckydvorak.com.
This article originally appeared at authorbeckydvorak.com.
