How Do You Turn to God For Help? - By Donna L Young
Throughout my life, I had heard, "If you turn to God, He will be there for you." But this sure didn't feel true to me. What was I doing wrong?
In past times of trouble, when I would pray to God for help and didn't experience a reply, I would question, "Can You hear me God? And "God, are you listening?"
Still, I couldn't see past my own needs and desires. I wanted God to respond to my prayers, yet, I was living a life filled with sin and had no desire to change. Scripture tells us," If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV). How true this verse became the night of October 20, 2008.
If I turn to God, when will He Respond?
One night, in late October, my husband and I had a tremendous fight. Although our marriage had been failing for years, for the first time, he laid his hands on me. I arrogantly stated, "You are going to Jail!" But, when I called 911 for assistance, the deputies who responded to the call, believed my husband's lies and I was arrested. I was charged with a felony of spousal abuse! I lost everything. I couldn't go home to see my three-year-old son or even get my toothbrush. In desperation, I cried out for Jesus to save me. I humbly turned to God for help.
Unbelievably, Jesus was right there to rescue me. In that moment, I surrendered my life to Him and repented for my past behavior. I promised God, I would live my life for Him and put worshiping Him above all else.
I have since kept my promise to God. And as a result, He has responded to every prayer! He has healed my broken heart, restored my marriage, provided a new career and transformed my life. I understand now why I felt God was silent to my past prayers; I wasn't sincerely ready to change my ways. God was waiting for me to repent, humble myself and turn from my selfish ways.
Another Example
One day, my six-year-old son cried out from his room. He had been sent to his room to clean it. On this day, he sat in the middle of the room crying as though he didn't know where to begin. He simply cried out for help! I responded, but I entered his room feeling a little angry that he had created such a mess.
Immediately, he started to play while I cleaned. So, I walked out and left him to sit in the middle of his mess. The room remained messy and continued to grow cluttered the next week.
My son was asked a second time to clean his room. Again, he sat in the mess and cried out for help. I could tell he was still unwilling to participate and take responsibility for the mess he had created. He wanted me to clean his mess for him. Yet, he was not remorseful nor was he willing to put his toys away or pick up his dirty clothes. Through my son's example, I was reminded of the old me and all those times I wanted God to clean my mess, but I was unwilling to change my ways.
A few days later, my son came to me and sincerely asked for help. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Mommy, I am sorry. Can you please help me clean my room?" I hugged my son and wiped his nose, then I followed him to his room.
This time, when I entered his room, he said, "What do you want me to do first?" I told him, simply hang up these clothes. Let's start there." We continued to clean his room, abiding by the same pattern. He would ask, "What's next?" And, I would guide him to the next task. As partners, through obedience, my son cleaned his room, much like I cleaned up my life; one step at a time, always turning to God for guidance and discipline.
Donna L. Young graduated from Liberty Baptist University with a Masters Degree in Theological Studies and is the Author of the book "Apologies from a Repentant Christian." To learn more about this author, please visit: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_L_Young Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6225609
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