I think most of us would agree that when we do something, we want to do it well! We like to be the best at what we are doing, we like to get the 1st place trophy! We are trained to strive to win from a young age. However, in my journey with Christ, there are many times when I don't feel like the winner. Sometimes, I feel like I have completely lost the race and failed to represent Christ well.
As we all strive to become more like Jesus, we do encounter bumps and obstacles along the way. It is important for us to not grow discouraged, but to remember that the race is not for the swift but for those who endure to the end!
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and for by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..."
Ephesians 4:12-15
PRAYER TIP #40 Pray to Become More Like Jesus
Rick Warren says it this way, "Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life. You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won’t be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to Heaven or when Jesus returns."
Take a trip down memory lane on your Spiritual journey. I am sure as you reflect you will be reminded of the growth that has taken place in your life! I am thankful for the work that the Lord has done in my heart to form me into the woman that I am today. However, I am thankful that He is not done with me yet! I have a lot of work to do, but by God's grace I am further along than I was yesterday.
The sanctification process will last a life time here on earth! Every trial, every hardship, every circumstance is developing the character of Christ in you. You’ll wonder, “Why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time?” One answer is that life is supposed to be difficult! It’s what enables us to grow in Christlikeness. Remember, earth is not heaven!
One of my favorite worship songs right now is called, "More Like Jesus." The chorus sings, "If more of You, means less of me, take everything. Father I pray, make me more like Jesus." Let that be the prayer we pray, and the song we sing!
Prayer Points - (Pray over these requests)
Lord guide me in a plain path of righteousness, according to Your will and glory.
Thank You for the work that You have done in my life up to this point. Thank You in advance for what You will continue to use to develop me!
I recognize that You are the Potter and I am the clay. Mold and shape me into who You want me to be!
Help me to see every circumstance as an opportunity to grow in Christlikeness!
Suggested Prayer - (Pray these words in your heart or out loud):
Dear Lord,
I praise You for Your goodness and faithfulness to me! You are deserving of all of my honor and praise. Guide me in a plain path of righteousness. Thank You for the work that You have done in my life. Thank You for the work You will continue to do in the process of my sanctification! I am thankful that You are not done with me yet! Help me to grow in Christlikeness in every circumstance. I submit to You. You are the potter and I am the clay. Mold me and shape me into who You want me to be. Use me to accomplish Your will! Father I pray, make me more like Jesus! Every day teach me and grow me!
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