The Failing of Human Nature

We rely on our human instincts for survival and protection. But what place do these instincts have in our walk with the Lord? The answer is none. If we rely on, fall back on and depend on our human nature it will block what He is trying to accomplish in our lives. It will stunt our growth and abort our purpose. Our nature and our instincts are focused on ourselves, our feelings, our perceptions and our needs. While there is a place for these instincts, if we rely too heavily on them we can hinder our growth and our use in the Kingdom of God. God knows our nature is human. Especially when put under pressure. He turns around and uses this pressure to illuminate, teach, guide and instruct. Remember Peter? Fiercely loyal to Jesus. He said he would even die for Jesus. Yet on the night that it seemed Jesus needed him the most Peter was put under extreme pressure and denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus loved Peter. He didn’t even need to forgive him. He had even warned Peter that he would deny Him three times. He needed Peter to forgive himself because He had work for him to do. Peter went on to bring thousands of people to the Kingdom of God. And only because he was humbled and trusted Jesus’ assessment of him and not his own. What should be our posture when God shines the light on the darker or selfish parts of our nature? Should we defend ourselves, justify why we do what we do or give up and declare ourselves unfit to be used by God? None of the above. Jesus didn’t die for us to quit in the face of failing. He expects first and foremost for us to be receptive and reachable, also pliable and teachable, not obstinate and unyielding.

Missing the mark or giving in to our human nature is inevitable on the journey toward spiritual maturity. How else will God grow us if not by showing us the areas in need of growth? Do not be discouraged Beloved we are all on this journey together. We all have a different path to travel that leads to the same destination. Man has little patience for failure and shortcomings in himself as well as others. It is a good thing man is not the Teacher.

We all fail sometimes, we all fall short and we are all susceptible to rely too heavily on our human nature or instinct. The key to spiritual maturity does not rely on us never falling it relies on knowing where to look when we do. God what can you teach me? What are you trying to tell me? Help me be better. We don’t have to beat ourselves up for being human. We just need to get out of our own heads sometimes and “not” do what comes natural. In my walk with God I know no matter what, I am my Fathers daughter and He is doing a work in me. I am willing to be taught, I understand that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord. I trust that He who began a good work in me will continue until the return of Jesus Christ. I resolve to follow my Fathers instruction and accept His correction. No matter what I am my Father’s daughter and He is doing a work in me.

Where do your thoughts automatically go when you step out for God? Does it go to those that will be helped or served? Or does it automatically go to your critics? If it is going to your critics examine your motives, listen to what God said and Move! Do what He put in your heart and serve in whatever way He has placed before you. Get out of your head and out of your own way. Put His super on your natural and do the supernatural! Get out that little box and do you! The you He created you to be!

Unfortunately some have the perception that God is out to get them, waiting for failure so He can exact judgment. Most people are waiting for God to punish them for what they do and feel, instead of feeling free to go to Him for help with what they do and how they feel. The trouble comes when we insist on making ourselves right instead of depending on God to get us there. The whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to make us right because we couldn’t and can’t do it. Take the pressure off and give to Him what only He is equipped to do. I have no time, no patience and no energy for those who want to continuously manipulate and control with guilt and condemnation. Instilling fear does not motivate. It paralyzes and causes division. If you are struggling with something that’s a good sign that you at least know there is a problem, Jesus can work with that. If you are not bothered then that is where the real problem lies. You are loved and accepted by Christ. If there is anything in your nature or conduct that is not pleasing to Him, He is well equipped to work out if you surrender and allow Him to. Push aside any thoughts of anything else. This is not a game and we have nothing to prove to man. We all have a limited time to work out what He has for us to do on earth. Lets not spend one more day in doubt, fear, anxiety or regret. Give it all to Him in faith. He will work it and you out. That’s what He does. He molds us into our best selves. He loves us into obedience, servanthood and our destiny. Discovering His unconditional love, accepting it, embracing it and beholding it is the key to our fulfillment and success. He gets you. He knows you. He approves of you. He wants to help you. Let Him.

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG)

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

It never hurts and always helps to recommit to our journey and renew our vows to the Lord. There is nothing wrong in placing ourselves back at His feet and resting in His amazing grace. I thank God for it and have come to rely on it. I would have fainted if I didn’t expect to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I will not quit. I do commit. No matter what, I am my Father’s child and to His will I will submit.

I pray Gods peace on your journey as I pray for my own. I encourage you not to be discouraged but to go to Him with your failures and doubt. I pray for a soft heart able to receive instruction and guidance.

I pray for your wounds to heal and your strength in the Lord. I pray He gives you what you need when you need it even if you don’t get it from where you want it from. Trust His ways even if you don’t understand them. Trust Him. I once read this quote that said He allows the most difficult lessons for His best students. And as I’ve said before learn the lessons of the journey. You will need them.

Love,

Ms. Wanda, GAC