Relationship With The Father

James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…” ~CSB

A man decides to get a puppy. He names the puppy and continues to call this name so that he and the puppy can begin to ‘communicate’ with each other. This is how this relationship begins. In time the man and his puppy build on that relationship. They develop an understanding in communication with each other. When the puppy matures he is able to let the man know, by mannerisms, gestures or simply by barking, when it needs something. If he’s hungry, has to go outside to relieve himself or just needs some love, the two are able to communicate this to each other.

It is sad to say that man is better at building a relationship with a dog than he is with building one with God. This is important to point out because we need to embrace and become aware of what that means. And how do we go about building a relationship with God? First of all, building a relationship with God is easy. We see that in how we start and build relationships with strangers, future friends and yes, dogs. No, the hard part  about having a relationship with God is in our obedience.

You see, we worry about the wrong things when it comes to having a relationship with God. We think we have the responsibility for how the Holy Spirit works in us. We think we are responsible for learning how to ‘hear’ from God when He guides us. This can not be done under our own power. This is actually God’s part in action when it comes to the relationship we have with Him. Our part is to work on disregarding our fleshly desires. We must walk by the Spirit of the Lord, (Galatians 5:16). We must practice, practice, practice, following God’s rules and regulations. 

We must not ‘...carry out the desires of the flesh.” It is the job of the flesh to defy the direction of the Spirit. We must, as the text says above, “Submit ourselves to God.” Resist the temptation of the flesh. And as we allow ourselves to be trained by God, He will begin to supplement our Spirits with His power. His power of direction, healing and strength.

We must train ourselves in living obedient lifestyles because God has so many plans for us. But He can only share His visions with those of us who are ready to take on His power of victory. Those of us who practice obedience. May God continue to bless and keep you in His protection as you journey in Jesus’ name.

Amen

---