Ever wonder why it seems like your prayers aren’t being answered? Maybe you’re experiencing unwanted circumstances that don’t seem to be changing for the better. Over time, I’ve learned that some behaviors and thought patterns hinder the release of our blessings. These behaviors and thought patterns have blocked breakthroughs in my life. I want to share some of this rotten fruit that has caused delayed answers in my life. You can avoid these.

Let’s jump in !

Disobedience – John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

God requires us to be obedient to him. This obedience allows him to move through us and protect us. It also enables him to lead us according to his vision and purpose for our lives. We often want to know everything before we take steps of faith. Fear or a selfish outcome causes us to hesitate. As a result, we end up hindering ourselves.

Deliberate sin- Hebrews 10:26-31 

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

 We are all sinners fallen short of the  Purpose God intended for us . Sin is all equal and has been judged the same. Yet, we all know the things we deliberately do. We know it is a sin against God. When we do those things, we grieve the Holy Spirit. We put up a wall between us and God because we choose to engage in the fruit of the flesh. We do this instead of the transforming fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Instant gratification / over indulgence –

 The Bible says that  gratifying the flesh and its sinful  pleasures will destroy us and drag us away.  We run to things that gives us temporary relief but long term destruction. If we work through the valleys of life, we grow by enduring the painful, uncomfortable, and difficult seasons of suffering. By seeking and depending on God, He promises growth. We will become stronger and more qualified for the kingdom of God. 

Oppose the flesh + read the word of God + apply self control = walk in the fruit of spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father, there are many things that crowd my mind and tempt me to sin against you. When things get hard, God, I want to face my reality. I want to cling to you and your word. Lord give me your strength to stand against the demonic forces that rise up against me. Lord your word says that when I am weak you are strong in me. Lord I’m asking you to help me remember that I’m stronger with you. Thank you for your faithfulness and your sacrifice, Lord. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus, son of the living God.

Amen.