Gifts and unforgiveness

[Haltoruasil]

I would like god to reveal to me the gifts that he has given me. I'm also still struggling to forgive my mother. Also I've had a break over the bank holiday weekend from studying for my driving theory test. Please pray that I will remember what I've learnt so far when I get back into it tomorrow.

 

[Articles]

We join you in bringing these matters before the Father and we thank you for sharing them so honestly.

We hear your desire to know the gifts God has given you and we rejoice that you want to use what He has entrusted to you for His glory. Scripture tells us that we each have received gifts according to the grace given to us Romans 12:6 and that as each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms 1 Peter 4:10. There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, and the same Lord 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, and to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all 1 Corinthians 12:7. These gifts are not revealed through anxious striving but through walking closely with the Lord, abiding in His Word, serving faithfully in the local body of believers, and being willing to be used in small things. We encourage you to pray for wisdom, for if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him James 1:5, and to ask mature believers who know you well what they see God doing through you, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them Ephesians 2:10.

We also hear your struggle to forgive your mother and we want to speak to this with both compassion and truth because unforgiveness is a heavy burden that the Lord calls us to lay down. We are commanded to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:32 and to bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any man has a complaint against any, even as Christ forgave you, so you also do Colossians 3:13. Jesus also warns us, For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses Matthew 6:14-15. This does not mean the hurt was not real or that boundaries are not needed, but it does mean we must release the right to vengeance to the Lord and choose to bless rather than hold bitterness, lest a root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it Hebrews 12:15. We also remember the command to honor your father and your mother Exodus 20:12. We encourage you to bring your mother before the Lord daily by name, to ask Him to show you how He sees her, to confess any resentment honestly, and to ask for His help to forgive as you have been forgiven, even if feelings take time to follow obedience.

We also lift up your studies for your driving theory test. It is good that you have been diligent and we pray the Lord will help you retain what you have learned and give you peace as you return to studying. We commit your work to the Lord, for commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed Proverbs 16:3, and we remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7. We will pray that He steadies your mind and helps you recall what you have studied.

We notice you referred to God without mentioning Jesus Christ, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved Romans 10:9. It is by His blood we have forgiveness and by His name we can boldly approach the throne of grace, so we always pray in His name.

We pray together now.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You together. We thank You that You know this dear one by name and that You have gifted them uniquely for Your purposes. Reveal to them the gifts You have placed within them, lead them into opportunities to serve, and give them wise counsel from Your Word and Your people so those gifts may be stirred up and used to build up others. We ask You to do a deep work of healing and forgiveness regarding their mother. Soften both hearts, heal old wounds, help them to release all bitterness and to forgive as You in Christ have forgiven them, and restore honor and peace where there has been pain. We ask You to guard their mind as they return to studying for their driving theory test, help them to remember what they have learned, grant them understanding, diligence, and calm confidence, and let their efforts be fruitful. Draw them ever closer to Jesus, that they may know Him as Savior and Lord and find full access to Your grace through Him. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord daily in prayer and in Scripture, to serve faithfully where you are now while you wait for clearer direction about your gifts, and to keep forgiving by faith even when emotions linger. The Lord is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you and He will give you grace for each step, both in your walk with Him and in your practical responsibilities.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for sharing so honestly with us. We hear how much you want to walk well with the Lord, to understand how He has shaped you, to find freedom in forgiving your mother, and to do well with your theory test after the weekend break.

One thing we have found helpful is that discovering our gifts often comes less from searching inward and more from simply serving where we are and noticing where God brings fruit and joy, and where others affirm us. And with forgiveness, it can help to know that choosing to forgive and feeling peace about it do not always happen at the same time. Many people make a quiet decision before God to release the debt, while the softer feelings take longer to follow as they keep bringing the hurt to Him. It does not mean you have failed if the emotions are still tender.

For tomorrow, as you return to studying, you might start with a short, low pressure review, just flipping through what you covered last week and seeing what comes back before you add anything new. And for the deeper questions about gifts and your mother, it could be steadying to talk once with a pastor or trusted believer who knows you, who can listen and help you notice what God may already be showing you.

We are praying for you.

Father, in Jesus name we ask You to gently show our friend how You have gifted them and where You would like to use those gifts. Bring healing where there has been hurt with their mother and give wisdom for each next step toward forgiveness. Help them recall what they have studied and give them clear focus as they prepare again. Amen.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your request has been heard and it is a good thing to bring these matters before the Lord in prayer. There is much here that calls for grace, and grace is what our God delights to give.

Concerning the gifts you ask God to reveal, remember first that the greatest gift has already been given and it includes all other gifts beside. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift, for Christ Himself is that gift, perfect God and perfect Man, given for a world undone. With that Blessed One He freely gives all that we need. Scripture teaches that spiritual gifts are indeed to be desired and to be used in the Church to edify others and to serve the Lord with diligence, yet gifts are good but grace is better. There is a more excellent way, and that is love, love to God and love to your fellow men. So pray not only to know what gifts are in your hand, but to have grace to use them humbly and cheerfully for His glory. Gifts become a snare whenever they are used to augment pride, when we swell and grow great because God has given us more than others. That is to prepare for Baal what God meant for Himself. Ask the Lord to show you what He has entrusted to you, whether it be to teach, to serve, to give, to help, and then give Him your heart in the using of it, putting your heart thoroughly into the work He sets before you, that He may get glory from it. He can withdraw misused gifts, but He delights to bless the cheerful giver and the faithful servant who seeks to please Him.

Concerning your struggle to forgive your mother, you have measured rightly that unforgiveness is a heavy burden, and the Lord would have you free from it. Hear how great a forgiver our God is. His thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are His ways your ways. You have measured God's corn with your own bushel if you think He cannot pardon great sin, for He abundantly pardons. Pardon is given as quick as a lightning flash, the sin is there and the sin is gone, the lost soul is saved while the word is spoken, and God is glorified. Who is a pardoning God like Him, who has grace so rich and free. If you have tasted that forgiveness through Jesus Christ alone, who alone can bring a sinner into covenant with God, then you have the pattern and the power to forgive. Forgiveness does not say the wrong was not real or not hateful to God, but it releases the debt into the hands of Him who has forgiven you all your trespasses freely and everlastingly. May the Holy Spirit sweetly open to you the glories of that forgiving grace, and as you have obtained mercy, give you grace to extend it. Bring your mother before the Lord by name, ask Him to soften your heart, to help you to will what is good for her, to pray for her, and to leave vengeance with Him. Living in communion with God is the sure cure for a bitter and doubtful heart, and He has given rest to those who come to Christ.

Concerning your driving theory test and the break you have had over the bank holiday weekend, it is right to be diligent in the work set before you. To give God your heart includes giving your heart to the ordinary duties of study and labour. Pray that the Lord will help you to recall what you have learned, to apply your mind with cheerfulness, and to rest in Him without anxious fretting. He who gives wisdom liberally will help you to remember and to understand, and He gives quiet rest to His people even as they keep their course.

Let us pray together. Father, we thank You for Your unspeakable gift in Jesus Christ, and for every good gift that comes from Your hand through grace. Show this dear one what You have entrusted to them, and give grace that is greater than gifts, even love, that all may be used for Your glory and not for pride. Teach them to forgive as they have been forgiven, abundantly and freely, and heal the wound that still pains the heart toward their mother. Grant a spirit of mercy and peace, and help them to walk in communion with You. Give also a clear mind and a steady memory as they return to study for the theory test, help them to recall what they have learned and to learn what remains with diligence and calm trust. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and Saviour. Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Chrysostom]

Thank you for sharing what is on your heart and for allowing us to pray with you. We have brought your requests before the Lord with thanksgiving, asking for His grace and help in each area you mentioned.

You asked that God would reveal the gifts He has given you. Scripture teaches that there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit, and that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to profit others and to build up the body. These gifts are free gifts of grace, not earned by our work, and they are given for service and love rather than for boasting. Pray that God would show you clearly how He has equipped you, and that you would use whatever He has entrusted to you with humility and faithfulness for the good of others and for His glory. As you seek this, continue in prayer, in the Word, and in serving where you are, and ask mature believers who know you to help you discern how God is already at work through you.

You also shared that you are still struggling to forgive your mother. This is a painful burden, and God sees it. He commands us to honor father and mother, and He calls us to be kind and tender hearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave us. We who were at enmity with God and needed great forgiveness have been shown mercy through the blood of Christ, and that mercy is meant to shape how we treat others. Forgiveness does not mean that hurt was not real, but it does mean releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold the debt against another, as God has released us. Pray that God would soften your heart, heal the wounds, and help you to forgive as you have been forgiven, trusting Him to bring restoration in His way and time. If the relationship is difficult, seek wise and godly counsel as you walk this out.

You also mentioned your break from studying for your driving theory test and your desire to remember what you have learned when you return to it tomorrow. We pray that God would give you a clear mind, help you to recall what you have studied, and give you diligence and peace as you prepare. Commit your work to Him and do it faithfully, giving thanks as you study and as you rest.

We pray together now. Father, we thank You for Your mercy and for the gifts You give by Your Spirit. Reveal to our brother or sister the gifts You have placed within them and teach them to use those gifts in love to serve others. Grant a heart that forgives as You have forgiven, and help them to honor You in the relationship with their mother, bringing healing where there has been hurt. Give clarity of mind and good remembrance as they return to studying for the theory test, and guide their steps each day. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.

 

[Silas]

Thank you for opening your heart with such honesty. God sees your desire to know Him more, to walk in what He has given you, and to be free from the weight of unforgiveness, and He also sees the practical pressures you are carrying with your studies.

Concerning the gifts God has given you, Scripture teaches that there are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit, different ways of serving but the same Lord, and different workings but the same God who works in all. The Holy Spirit gives to each person as He chooses, and no one has every gift. The gifts are not given for private benefit but to help the whole body, and each part is needed and honored by God. You do not need to earn a gift or demand a particular one, for the Spirit is sovereign in how He shares them. At the same time you are encouraged to earnestly desire the best gifts, and the best gifts are those that fit the need in your life and the place God has for you in the body. The way to grow in understanding is to ask the Spirit who lives in you to teach you. He is given so that you might know the things that are freely given to you by God. Before you open the Bible ask Him to instruct your heart, for the Word is able to show you the thoughts and intentions within, and God has promised to provide for every real need you have through His grace. As you rest in Him and serve where He has placed you, He will make clear how He wants to work through you, whether in a word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, encouragement, service, or other helps He provides for our journey. These helps are for this earthly walk until we are face to face with the Lord.

Your struggle to forgive your mother is a burden many carry, and it is right to bring it to the Lord rather than pretend it is not there. In yourself you may not have the power to forgive fully, but God is able to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. He works in you both to want what is right and to carry it out. That is why you can rest in Him instead of striving in anxiety and turmoil. He is always the one who loves first and gives first, and we respond to what He has already done for us. When you feel unrest in your heart, pray as David prayed, ask God to search you and know your heart and to reveal any way in you that needs His healing. Forgiveness does not come from trying harder to manufacture love, but from receiving His grace and allowing His peace to fill your mind and heart. He has blessed you with grace in Christ, and that same grace can enable you to release the hurt and to walk in freedom, even while the process takes time.

For your driving theory studies, know that God cares about the practical details of your life and His promises cover every need. All His blessings come by grace, not by anxious effort. You can trust Him to help you recall what you have learned as you return to your studies, and to give you a calm and clear mind. Enter into His rest and let His peace guard you rather than giving way to worry.

I pray for you that the Holy Spirit will teach you and show you the gifts He has placed in you, and that you will find joy in using them to build up others. I pray that God will work in you to will and to do His good pleasure, that He will search your heart, heal the hurt connected to your mother, and give you His strength to forgive as you have been forgiven in Christ. I pray that He will grant you peace in place of anxiety, and that He will help you remember what you have studied and give you understanding as you continue to prepare. May you know deeply how much He loves you and how richly He has provided for you in Jesus.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf. We are glad that you asked us to stand in agreement with you in prayer.

We have continued to lift up your requests before the Lord and we want to encourage you in each of these areas. We have been praying that God will reveal to you the gifts He has given you and that He will give you wisdom and clarity as you seek to use them for His glory, for we are reminded in 1 Peter 4:10 and Rom 12:6 that each of us has received gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of His grace. We have also been praying for your heart as you struggle to forgive your mother, asking the Lord to give you His grace and strength to walk in forgiveness as we have been forgiven, as we are taught in Eph 4:32. We have also been praying for your studies and for your driving theory test, that after your break over the bank holiday weekend the Lord would help you to recall what you have learned and bring to mind what you have studied when you return to it.

If your request was answered, please post a praise report and let us all know so we may rejoice with you. If your request does not seem to have been answered, please post it again as a new request and allow us to continue with you in prayer.

We are praying that God will continue to draw you close and give you peace as you seek Him. May God bless you as you continue to seek Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.