Women’s Prayer Team - Week 5
I was saved when I was eight years old, and my mother did a really good job of explaining to me what it looked like to follow Jesus. However, I always had a tough time with the concept of repentance. As a kid, I knew and believed that Jesus died for my sins, but I didn't really understand why I had to keep asking over and over for forgiveness. Now that I am much older and more spiritually mature, I understand that repentance isn't just something I have to do, but rather its something I get to do.
"Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
Romans 2:4
PRAYER TIP #5 – Pray that the Lord leads you to a time of repentance.
For a majority of Romans 2, Paul talks about God's righteous judgment. Paul is talking to those who judge one another, but are guilty of the same sins. Our sins are not the exact same, but our conduct is. Paul continues his letter by saying that God will judge us based on truth. Paul is very clear that no one can escape God's judgement. The good news is that God is kind and patient with us. It is through His kindness that He constantly forgives us in regard to our past sins. It is through His restraint that we are still shown kindness in the midst of our present sins. Even today, we have fallen short of the glory of God, but He still shows us mercy. It is through His patience that we are still loved by Him, even though He is aware we will continue to sin in the future. Through His goodness we are led to repent because we serve a God who is faithful to forgive. The fact that God would even allow us to come before Him to repent is a part of His loving nature.
"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance."
Matthew 3:8
God does not drive us to repentance, He leads us there. I have found that the sweetest times that I have spent with God have started with me drawing near to Him and confessing. Repentance is a way we can start a new walk with Christ. Repentance is meant to bring us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Repentance is not something that should be led by our feelings, but rather lead us in a new direction towards Christ. I sometimes find myself being sorrowful over my sins, that I have sinned too greatly to ever be forgiven, so what's the point of even repenting? I have found that the answer is that we can not know the Kingdom of Heaven if we don't come to Jesus and repent. The call of repentance is crucial in our walks with Christ. Sin is what ultimately separates us from God, and repentance is what brings us closer to Him.
Prayer Points:
Lord, thank You for forgiving me when I fall short of Your glory.
Lord, help me to come before You humbly.
Lord, help me to not lose sight of Your purpose for me here on Earth.
Lord, help me to forgive others the way You have forgiven me.
Lord, thank You for being just in all of Your ways.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for showing me constant kindness and grace even though I have done nothing to earn it. You are a gracious Father that takes care of His children. Help me this week to continue to draw near to You. Thank You for loving me even in the midst of my sin. Help me to be encouraged through Your Word this week. Let all my conversations be uplifting and encouraging. Help me to open my ears to hear all You have to say and that I live in constant obedience. Thank You for Your love and the work displayed on the cross. I praise You for leading me to repentance.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Your Friend,
Haley Richards
Kommentare