What stops you from having a victorious life?
“I waited for patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry” (Psa.40:1)
King David, as we know, spent his early years trying to escape King Saul. He found refuge in the hills and mountains, singing Psalms and praising Elohim. In later life, even though he committed sin, Elohim forgave him and blessed him abundantly. He always lived a victorious life.
So many of us go through life waiting for that breakthrough, for that one success which would change our lives completely. But that success seems elusive. So, what is keeping us from that victorious life?
Prayerlessness: Periods of prayerlessness keep us away from Elohim. It separates us from him. Remember, Daniel prayed thrice a day, David prayed seven times a day and even Yahshua Messiah used to go to a quiet place in the evenings and spend time in prayer. We pray and when we don’t get an answer, we start asking Elohim ‘where are you?’ Elohim is in his place , that is everywhere but where are we? Busy with our work, job, family, business…When we don’t talk to our spouse regularly, that person will start wondering and will be upset. How much more do you think Elohim would feel when we don’t talk to Him?
Selfishness: Selfish people think only of themselves. They have no concern for others, they are always thinking how to prosper without giving a thought to others. In Luke 12:17-20 we read of a man who had a bumper harvest. He thought of building bigger godowns and storing up his harvest because he had plenty to last a long time. But, the Lord says, tonight his soul will be required, then of what use was his plenty? Selfish people do not show any love towards others. 1Jn 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Ananias and Saphira sold their property and gave some to the apostles and some they kept back. They could have done whatever they wanted but they should not have lied to Peter. Because of their selfishness they did not want to give all to the church.Their reward was swift in coming, they both lost their lives.
Laziness: Pro 20:4.. The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. A lazy person will find excuses for everything. In the parable of the ten virgins, five were lazy. They did not want to carry extra oil for their lamps. They wanted to depend on the others for their oil, but the others did not oblige. They were left out of the banquet and lost their blessings. Pro 6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Pro 6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Pro 6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Worldliness: Prominence to the world over the Kingdom of Elohim, giving more importance to our jobs, status, prosperity…all these act as hinderances to our spiritual life. Some people spend their whole lives in pursuit of prosperity that they do not give Elohim the importance he deserves. 1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Friendship with the world is enmity with Elohim (Jas.4:4) Worldliness separates us from Elohim.
Unfruitfulness: John.15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. As the branches, if separated from tree, cannot produce fruit, but would wither and die, so also Christians when separated from Messiah, can do nothing. We have to depend on Messiah if we want fruit in our lives. Separation from Messiah results in loss of rewards (1Cor.3:14).Unfruitfulness brings judgement. In the parable of the talents, the man who did not put his talents to use had the talent taken away from him and given to the one who had ten talents.
Unfaithfulness: Rom.14:23 says whatever is not of faith is sin. Unfaithfulness robs a man of the crown of life.(Rev.2:10). Without faith it is impossible to please Elohim. (Heb.11:60). We cannot be saved except through faith (Eph.2:8-9). When we do not have faith in Elohim, we can never expect success or miracles in our lives.
Neglecting the word of Yahweh: Many Christians do not read the Bible. The Bible will be gathering dust on the cupboards and taken out when the pastor comes for prayers. Not reading the Bible is like not reading letters from loved ones. Remember, the Bible is Elohim’s voice. He speaks to us through the Bible. The Bible has solutions to all our problems. There is a comfort in reading and meditating on the word of Yahweh. The Bible is full of encouraging words and promises which we can claim. 2Ti 3:16,’All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:’
Unconfessed sin: We fallout of relationship with Elohim due to our Unconfessed sins. 1Jn 1:8-9,”If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If we say e have no sin, our heart grows hard and insensitive. We ignore the small voice which tells us when we do wrong. Unconfessed sin brings more sin into our lives.
So, if today, you are going through a bad phase in life, if you are not enjoying Elohim’s blessings, examine yourself, consider your life and correct it before it is too late and enjoy a victorious life.
