RTW 2022

But you never asked for help from the One who did all this. You never considered the One who planned this long ago.
Isaiah 22:11b

But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor, did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago.
Isaiah 22:11 (NASB)

“Could my current hardship be the hand of a loving and gracious God bringing me back to Him?” – Chip Ingram

We need to pause in the middle of our problem to consider the possibility that God planned it this way.

These steps will help you determine whether you are being disciplined, or if God planned it this way. It’s not the end all, be all, but will open the dialogue with the Lord to usher in the discernment you need to gain a better understanding of your situation.

• Boldly pray the investigative prayer of King David. (Psalm 139:23-24)
  For the one who needs it softer: TLB
  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
  
  For the one who can handle the “up in your business”: AMPC
  Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

• Quickly respond to the revelation of the prayer.
  Confess, repent, and give thanks for His gracious and kind mercy. He doesn’t have to reveal our sin. He does because He loves us and wants us to live the life Jesus died to give us, a life full of joy that reflects the image of our Father.
  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
  Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

• Ask, “Am I actively and habitual living in direct obedience of what God has asked me not to? Not necessarily disobeying a standard set in His Word, but partaking in something His has given you specific instruction not to do?”
  Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
  James 4:17

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The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has revealed this to me: “Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.” That is the judgment of the LORD, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
Isaiah 22:14

“What is this sin that can’t be forgiven, that has no atonement? It is the sin of ignoring God, of refusing to humble yourself before the LORD and repent. Jerusalem was doing everything except the essential thing they had to do to prepare for the attack, and because they rejected the LORD, there would be no atonement for them.” – David Guzik
Enduring Word

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Have a little talk with the Lord before I go preparing for a battle that He has prepared for me.