Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Unclaimed Spiritual Wealth
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:5 nlt).
I read an article about a couple in Louisiana who were cleaning up their home and came across an unclaimed lottery ticket worth $1.8 million dollars. They bought it and had forgotten about it. It was still valid, so they went and claimed their winnings.
That’s like us sometimes. Many of us live as though we’re spiritually impoverished. We say, “I need more love, more faith, and more peace.”
Yet God is saying, “I’ve given these things to you already.”
Romans 5:5 tells us, “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (nlt).
In fact, the first 11 verses of Romans 5 show us some of the amazing things that God has done for us.
We have peace with Him (verse 1). We have free and open access into the presence of God, and we have the hope of glory (verse 2). In addition, we have God’s love toward us, and we won’t face judgment (verses 5–10). Finally, we have joy in the Lord (verse 11).
So God already has given us what we need. But I think at times we’re praying for what we already have.
Let’s say, for example, that you’re having troubles in your marriage. The romance is gone, and you’re beginning to wonder if the marriage will even last. You’re saying, “I just don't feel the love.”
Why don’t you start doing loving things instead of waiting to feel the love?
Or maybe you’re thinking, “Well, someone has hurt me. I can’t forgive them. I just don’t feel it.”
Do it anyway. The emotions will catch up.
Instead of praying to feel forgiveness, instead of praying for more love, just start doing loving things. In time, I think your emotions will match your actions.
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Grief is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Pastor Greg Laurie experienced this truth when his son Christopher passed away suddenly. Discover comfort and healing in times of pain as you read his book Hope for Hurting Hearts. Receive your copy as our gift for your donation of any amount to Harvest Ministries this month.
