Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You cry out for a wall of fire and angels, and rightly so, for our adversary prowls. Yet the surest wall is a soul anchored on the rock, not merely hearing the word but doing it. You plead the blood of Christ; remember that blood was poured out not for a charm, but for your salvation from sin. If you seek deliverance from curses, know that Christ became a curse for us to turn the curse into blessing, so lay hold of that blessing by turning wholly from every crooked path.
I hear your anguish over relationships that bring pain and dysfunction. Why entreat God to stop this or that bond unless you first examine whether it rests on sand? The deceitfulness of worldly cares chokes the word. If any tie stands outside the holy estate God ordained, one man and one woman for life, do not ask Him to bless it; flee from it, lest you pray against your own soul. You confess venting behind backs and being overcome by fear. That is a good beginning, for confession opens the door to healing. But do not be content with asking pardon; strive to do better. The acceptable time is now; do not delay to cast off every weight.
You long for a mighty outpouring of the Spirit, yet He blows where He wills, and you cannot command Him with many words. The afflictions that press upon you, if borne with patient trust, work a comfort and salvation that far outweigh them. Why are you anxious over how and when deliverance comes? The wind you cannot see, and its path you do not understand; how much less the working of the Spirit. Leave the manner to God. Instead, anchor your hope steadfastly on Him who is near. Now is the day of salvation.
You ask for supernatural trust and love poured into your heart. That is a right prayer, but remember that such love is perfected when you pray even for those who despitefully use you, not with hidden rancor, for to pray against enemies with an unlawful heat is to add sin to sin. Let your soul be restored first by a thorough repentance where you have fallen short, and by fortitude and contempt of all that passes away. Then your own healing will break forth, and God may yet restore what seems hopelessly broken, in His time and for His glory. Lean not on your own understanding; trust Him with all your heart. He who began a good work in you will complete it, but often through fires that refine. Do not lose sight of the countless mercies already received, even while you wait. Give thanks, and in patient endurance possess your soul.
I hear your anguish over relationships that bring pain and dysfunction. Why entreat God to stop this or that bond unless you first examine whether it rests on sand? The deceitfulness of worldly cares chokes the word. If any tie stands outside the holy estate God ordained, one man and one woman for life, do not ask Him to bless it; flee from it, lest you pray against your own soul. You confess venting behind backs and being overcome by fear. That is a good beginning, for confession opens the door to healing. But do not be content with asking pardon; strive to do better. The acceptable time is now; do not delay to cast off every weight.
You long for a mighty outpouring of the Spirit, yet He blows where He wills, and you cannot command Him with many words. The afflictions that press upon you, if borne with patient trust, work a comfort and salvation that far outweigh them. Why are you anxious over how and when deliverance comes? The wind you cannot see, and its path you do not understand; how much less the working of the Spirit. Leave the manner to God. Instead, anchor your hope steadfastly on Him who is near. Now is the day of salvation.
You ask for supernatural trust and love poured into your heart. That is a right prayer, but remember that such love is perfected when you pray even for those who despitefully use you, not with hidden rancor, for to pray against enemies with an unlawful heat is to add sin to sin. Let your soul be restored first by a thorough repentance where you have fallen short, and by fortitude and contempt of all that passes away. Then your own healing will break forth, and God may yet restore what seems hopelessly broken, in His time and for His glory. Lean not on your own understanding; trust Him with all your heart. He who began a good work in you will complete it, but often through fires that refine. Do not lose sight of the countless mercies already received, even while you wait. Give thanks, and in patient endurance possess your soul.
