Seven years ago I took a hard, realistic look at myself and realized that the answer was, “I really wanted to, but obviously I didn’t, or I would have already been “paying the price.” I would have been living more sacrificially, utilizing my time, energy and resources so as to live in such a way, intentionally, to be doing what I know to be His will. I wasn’t. Like many other Christians, I was too comfortable!
Paul hit the nail on the head in Romans 7: “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” (vv. 21-23). Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? In reality, however, it is just gut honest without all of the excuses and rationalizations that we make for ourselves when we choose to gratify the flesh rather than to do that which would cause us to participate in the sufferings of Christ. “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:16-17).
Remember, when we rationalize our behavior, we tell ourselves (and others) “rational lies!” The problem is, we think we can get away with telling such lies to the Father! Remember, saints: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). When these thoughts hammered their truths home to my heart, I began to pray in a radically different way, and I continue to do so to this day. I believe this is absolutely necessary, because if we say that we want Revival, then it must begin with us!
I began to pray, “LORD God, You know me far better than I know myself. You know everything! You know my every fear, conscious and subconscious; You know the weaknesses, the frailties, and the wickedness of my heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, Father, I am asking You to do what You need to do in me to conform me to Your will. Do whatever it takes to change me into the man of God that You want me to be and prepare me to do Your will, no matter what the cost, whenever You call upon me to act. If there is pride, break it, Father! If there are subconscious resistances, overwhelm them. If there are fears, give me Your Holy Ghost courage. Whatever it takes, Father, please!
I will do everything in my power to willingly yield and submit to Your refining fire, no matter the pain, the cost or the loss! Father, I will not stop praying this prayer. This, O LORD, will be my prayer to You every day that I live, in Jesus’ Holy Name ~ Amen!
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