Thank You for Giving Me Something to Work With

I feel led to give a simple testimony that may help others who pray. There are certain prayers I do on a regular basis. Today I expanded the scope of these prayers and included a wider group. When finished, I heard the Lord say, "Thank you for giving me something to work with."

Even though I know this principle, the meaning expanded in a new way.

The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.  Psalm 115:16

I've said this before, but it hit me with new force. God has given the earth to mankind.  He has also given power through Jesus Christ to rule and reign on this earth. However, mankind must use it.

A lot of analogies could be given. If a person gives a gift a car with the key, that gift is of no use unless the recipient actually gets in, puts the key in the ignition and drives it. The giver has done all he can do. It is up to the recipient to act. God has given salvation through Jesus Christ. We must receive it and learn about it through the inner teaching of the Holy Spirit.

Since God has given the earth to mankind, He will not interfere unless asked.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  Matthew 7:7

No matter what the problems, mankind must ask for help. In addition, men must listen to the answers and implement them. The Lord God is not a glorified Santa Claus who dumps answers in the form of gifts without participation on our part.  David killed Goliath with God's help, but God did not do it for him.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  James 1:5

So when we ask God's help or wisdom, we have allowed Him entry into the earthly realm. He has done all He will ever do through Jesus Christ. He will give us help in implementing the finished work of Jesus Christ in this realm, but He will not do it for us.

When we ask God for help, whether for ourselves, others, or nations, we have given him the ability to enter into the earthly realm and help us. If a teacher had some students and wanted to share knowledge with them, he would wait until one of them asked. If he had 100 students and only one asked for help, would not the teacher pour himself into that one student since he was the only one that asked?

I am sure that God wants to pour Himself into all of our lives, and the life of our nations, but we have to ask. We have to give Him something to work with. And we have to listen and obey.

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