Prerequisites: Building Fortitude
When we ask and believe, we are in faith. We may not feel like our faith is effective if the Lord takes a while to bring things around. The good news here is He knows exactly what He is doing.
Many requests that we make we cannot bear, regardless of how bad we want them. The Lord knows this and instead of granting a request that will crush us, he builds within us the fortitude we need to take on the blessing.
Remember that the scriptures tell us that the blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it? This is true of things we are asking for. Our Father hears your request. He is building a foundation in you to bear the very things you are asking for.
An undeveloped foundation is the barrier to receiving great things from our Father. If we are not undertaking the small things then the larger things cannot be achieved. So let's develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that form our foundation in the Lord. We do this with the understanding that learning God's ways has prerequisites.
It's great to have knowledge but can we bear it with wisdom and do no harm. It's exciting to have a new job or responsibilities but are we qualified? It's fun to jump on a Jet Ski but who's going to pay the money and take the time to acquire the fuel, the storage, the fees, the insurance and the maintenance?
Without a foundation all these possessions will become a curse.
There is foundational knowledge and skills that must be developed on our way to becoming responsible in spiritual understanding, in our mind and with material things. These prerequisites are the building blocks of our foundation of fortitude.
Concept >>> “Build A Foundation Of Fortitude”
Many requests that we make we cannot bear, regardless of how bad we want them. The Lord knows this and instead of granting a request that will crush us, he builds within us the fortitude we need to take on the blessing.
Remember that the scriptures tell us that the blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it? This is true of things we are asking for. Our Father hears your request. He is building a foundation in you to bear the very things you are asking for.
An undeveloped foundation is the barrier to receiving great things from our Father. If we are not undertaking the small things then the larger things cannot be achieved. So let's develop the knowledge, skills and abilities that form our foundation in the Lord. We do this with the understanding that learning God's ways has prerequisites.
Building a Foundation
To bear the responsibility of spiritual, mental and material possessions can be difficult.It's great to have knowledge but can we bear it with wisdom and do no harm. It's exciting to have a new job or responsibilities but are we qualified? It's fun to jump on a Jet Ski but who's going to pay the money and take the time to acquire the fuel, the storage, the fees, the insurance and the maintenance?
Without a foundation all these possessions will become a curse.
There is foundational knowledge and skills that must be developed on our way to becoming responsible in spiritual understanding, in our mind and with material things. These prerequisites are the building blocks of our foundation of fortitude.
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Take Action!
What is the Lord building in you today?
Do you want to bring others to Christ?
Seek it out through prayer, study and asking questions.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Do you want to bring others to Christ?
Think of this as an example of recognizing prerequisites for bigger things:
- Prerequisite 1: You need to learn what the Gospel is.
- Prerequisite 2: Develop boldness to approach people.
- Prerequisite 3: Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.
You get the idea. Learn and do the basic things God is asking you to do. Pray, study, read and connect with other Christians. These are foundational acts of faith. They are also prerequisites to your next steps in getting to know the Lord.
Do you desire to teach?
This is another fantastic example:
- Prerequisite 1: Become an expert in a topic.
- Prerequisite 2: Learn teaching techniques.
- Prerequisite 3: Overcoming learning obstacles.
Some prerequisites come quick. Such as the inspiration of a scripture that hits you and you get it. Other skills and abilities take time to develop.
The Lord knows that a house is not built without time and effort and He gives us a sure foundation that cannot be moved. Be persistent. Be patient. He is building you up.
Please, add your thoughts in the comment section.
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Concept >>> “Build A Foundation Of Fortitude”
Next >>> "Count The Cost"
Reminds me of the old saying "Be careful what you pray for. You just might get it!" Then comes the responsibility you have spoken of! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteActually, it's just a bit different. As we grow in the Lord we cannot jump to, for instance, the rank of prayer warrior. We need start with the small things, such as learning the Word, teaching ourselves to pray regularly and build a prayer list. These are the prerequisites to becoming a prayer warrior. These are the prerequisites to build fortitude.
DeleteTo your point... but with a slight twist... we cannot bear many responsibilities until we build up to them. The good news is we know the Lord will not put more on us than we can bear.
Also, check out the article, Praying for Wisdom... Debunked? Prayer, like wisdom, does not bring trouble or overwhelming responsibilities. We pray because of the trouble that exists and the trouble that is already headed our way.
Good stuff,
- Rob