Should we pray to “forgive God”?

God is love and all His thoughts for us are always good and perfect. He never ceases to watch over us and make things work for our good. He does this because His character is perfect and beyond fault. These truths, however, can be hard for us to grasp in the midst of pain, trials, and suffering. In times of emotional turmoil, Satan will quietly slip in seeds of doubt and accusations about God. “How can a good and perfect God allow such pain?” “Why hasn’t He come to my rescue and made a way out?” When we fail to recognise the devil’s lies, are unfamiliar with God’s ways, or lack the maturity to test all things, we can fall for the devil’s devious mind games and resent God for the difficult seasons in our lives. We believe that we need to forgive God for His transgressions towards us, when it is really the devil that we should be silencing and rebuking for blasphemy. 

(简体中文 > 我们应该祷告「饶恕神」吗？ | 繁體中文 > 我們應該禱告「饒恕神」嗎？)

 

1 John 4:8-10 NKJV  He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV  Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Satan’s oldest trap for mankind: Accusing God of falling short 

Satan wants to destroy faith in our good, perfect, and empowering God. 

Satan knows that a believer’s true calling is to be filled to overflowing with the Father’s love and power from the Holy Spirit, and to be so transformed into the image of Jesus, that we rise up as the Body of Jesus on earth to destroy the devil’s kingdom of darkness on earth. We are called to be Spirit-led ambassadors of God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20) who take dominion back from Satan, so that Jesus’ government and peace increases as written in Isaiah 9.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV  For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Colossians 1:13-14 NKJV  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Therefore, the devil and his demons will desperately work overtime to try to keep us separated from God, our one true Source of wisdom, power, destiny, love, joy, and peace. One of the ways our enemy does this is by getting us to question God’s plans and doubt His goodness. 

Satan’s name means “accuser” or “adversary.” (He is also called the father of lies, deceiver of the entire world, thief, tempter, evil one, destroyer.)

Accusing God of falling short or sinning against us was the very first trick that Satan used in the Garden of Eden. It was the very same deception that caused mankind’s eternal downfall. Satan accused God of intentionally withholding the knowledge of good and evil from Adam and Eve so as to prevent them from becoming like God. The truth is that Adam and Eve were always meant to become like God, just as we are meant to become like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. It was for their good that God had forbidden Adam and Eve from taking the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, because it opened their minds to evil imaginations thereafter. The devil twisted the facts to paint the wrong image of God. Adam and Eve fell for that and we now all suffer the consequences for their transgression.

Genesis 3:4-5 NKJV  Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When we don’t take every thought captive to obey Jesus, we will fall prey to Satan’s bombardment of doubtful, resentful, and accusing ideas about God. When we don’t stop such thoughts in their tracks, we will be subconsciously influenced. Our hearts begin to close towards God and at the most extreme, we may even walk away from our eternal Saviour forever. Satan doesn’t need to work too hard to separate us from God, because we end up doing the job ourselves. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 

Moreover, we may not realise that the very idea of us ‘forgiving God’ implies that we believe that our ways and our thoughts are higher than God’s, that we are more righteous than Him, and that God is imperfect. God, nonetheless, is patient and merciful and will forgive us for agreeing with blasphemous ideas about Him when we humbly turn to Him in repentance. (Note: The only sin that will never be forgiven is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit).

Job 35:1-2 NKJV  Moreover Elihu answered and said: “Do you think this is right? Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’?

Luke 12:10 NKJV   “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

Mark 3:28-30 NKJV  “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— …

Renewing our minds about God

When God created mankind and this earth, He made everything thrive together in great unison. God’s will is good and perfect. 

Here are some aspects of His perfect character: 

• God is a God of righteousness and justice | Psalm 89:14 NKJV  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.
• God will never do anything wicked, nor will He pervert justice | Job 34:12 NKJV  Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice. 
• God is a God of hope and peace | Romans 15:13 NKJV  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• God is patient and a God of comfort | Romans 15:5-6 NKJV  Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• God is not the author of chaos and confusion | 1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV  For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
• God is forever faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to Him | 2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV  If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
• God is longsuffering and merciful, He endures the rebellion of mankind all day long | Psalm 86:15 NKJV  But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
• God is not a condemning God, He is our Saviour | John 3:17 NKJV  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
• God gives good and perfect gifts | James 1:17 NKJV  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
• God never takes back the good things He gives us | Romans 11:29 NKJV  For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
• God always keeps His word | Numbers 23:19 NKJV  “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
• God never lies | Numbers 23:19 NKJV  “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
• God is not fickle, He never changes | James 1:17 NKJV  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

God is not of this world, He is nothing like us. God inhabits eternity and holiness. His goodness and wisdom exceeds all our imaginations. Loud exuberant worship surrounds Him 24/7, as lightning and thunder flash all around His throne continuously. Yet this almighty magnificent God chooses to also dwell with the humble amongst us through the Holy Spirit! 

Isaiah 57:15 NKJV  For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Revelation 4:9-11 NKJV  Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:  “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Revelation 4:5 NKJV  And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

And in spite of being so perfect and holy, God chose to enter our mess to be born as a man so as to redeem and reverse what was lost by Adam, the first man. Jesus emptied Himself of all His supreme heavenly privileges to be born out of the body of a woman He had created and formed. Let us reflect on that fact for a moment. Would you lower yourself to such indignities? When we lack knowledge of our great and awesome loving God who has sacrificed so much for us, we become easy pickings for Satan’s insinuations about our Creator.

Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Hosea 4:6 NKJV  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Jesus chose to come into this world fully knowing that He would face pain, suffering and tribulation. He did it so that He could destroy the works of the devil on our behalf and show us how to overcome all things. This is why we can ‘be of good cheer’ because He gives us the same wisdom and power to overcome all things, which Jesus had while He was on earth. Indeed, we are destined to be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” through the Holy Spirit in us.

Romans 8:37 NKJV  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

1 John 3:8 NKJV  He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

John 16:33 NKJV  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,I have overcome the world.”.

This, however, requires us to first die to ourselves so that we can live a new life through Jesus. Jesus was not afraid to die. As His followers, neither should we be. A dead person cannot be hurt, upset or offended. Instead, as people who have “been raised from the dead with Christ”, we can now be filled with supernatural hope, joy and peace from heaven. This is a picture of how we are to be “dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:8-11 NKJV  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The apostle Paul gives a good explanation of how this works in Romans 8. In our natural fleshly state, we are prone to have carnal thoughts. We live by our most instinctive basic impulses — how we feel, what we like or don’t like, who we like or don’t like, what we have seen or listened to, and so on. This brings spiritual death. In other words, we remain disconnected from God. The carnal mind cannot think like the mind of God. In fact, it often goes in the opposite direction. God’s ways are much higher than our ways. Our flesh will be greatly challenged to follow God by His Word and by His Spirit. The flesh fights and resists change because it requires an exertion of energy. 

Romans 8:6-11 NKJV  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Galatians 5:16-17 NKJV  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Yet it is only when we subdue our flesh and consider ourselves dead to our own logical, emotional, and physical impulses and submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and His Word, that we are able to become new creations. We need to allow God to stretch us beyond our own fleshly capacity and let the Holy Spirit teach and empower us to do God’s will. 

John 12:24-26 NKJV Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

This is how we activate faith in our hearts – by stepping outside of our comfort zone and listening to the voice of a God whom we can only see and hear with spiritual eyes and ears. As we do so, we discover how exceptionally good, wise, kind, faithful and perfect He is because following Him always bears good fruit. We find spiritual liberty, joy, peace and hope that is beyond human understanding. 

2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV  Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Become overcomers

Here are some examples of how we are to subdue our flesh and become overcomers. For one, it requires us to give up our carnal ways of thinking and take on spiritual ways of thinking.

Romans 8:5-6 NKJV  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

1. Don’t accuse God when other people sin against us

People hurt, disappoint, offend, frustrate and betray one another almost every other day. We all lack the ability to love and honour one another perfectly. Only God is perfect. People who never received tenderhearted nurturing, comfort, counsel and correction will not know how to do the same for others. Those who have been abused often go on to abuse others. If we take the time to look beyond someone’s behaviour, we will see that they are the product of a long chain of factors that have been largely beyond their control or comprehension. Jesus famously said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This is why we are called to put up with one another’s faults and forgive others. 

Luke 23:34 NKJV  Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”  And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Jesus taught a very important lesson when He warned us not to judge others. This is because we will fall into the same judgement ourselves. In fact, the harsher we are in our judgments, the more harshly we will be judged in return. We will always reap whatever we sow. Instead, Jesus counsels us to first look for the plank in our own eye so we can truly help others with a sincere heart. The truth is, we are quick to spot the things in other people that are in us too! 

Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV  “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

James 2:13 NKJV  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Another (spiritual) reason we ought not to judge others is that the people who sin against us are usually influenced by evil spirits. Keep in mind that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” but against spiritual powers. The greater the sinful behaviour, the greater the stranglehold that demonic powers have over someone. 

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We need to keep in mind that when we judge or sin against them, we will give their evil spirits permission to come against us too! This is why we eventually become more and more like those we judge. Sin always opens the doors to evil spirits, regardless of who sinned first. A classic example is parent-child relationships. We may hate some things our parents have done but somehow, we find ourselves repeating the same patterns. Thankfully, the long chain of broken, sinful behaviour is broken through forgiveness and mercy. Forgiveness breaks the power and legal right of demons to come against us. Also, see Toxic parents who bring us pain

We cannot blame God when other people do grievous things against us because He is not the one who tempts them. Evil spirits are the ones that entice people through their un-crucified desires to sin against us. Moreover, our good Heavenly Father has already shown us the way out, and that is through forgiveness. 

James 1:13-15 NKJV  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Some people with the prophetic seer gift (i.e. able to see things in the invisible spirit realm) can sometimes literally see demons moving around a person inciting them to sin. Whether we are able to peer into the unseen or not, we can always pray and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. He will reveal spiritual truths about the unseen when we set aside our own logical and emotional impulses and humble ourselves before Him.

Spiritual minded prayer 

Here is how a spiritually minded person who is led by the Holy Spirit will pray:

“Lord, what that person has done has really hurt and offended me. I choose to quickly forgive him/her and not allow this to fester inside me and pollute my heart and mind. I cut ungodly spiritual ties with them so whatever spirits are in them will not afflict me. I choose to honour Your presence and not hold on to bitterness, evil thoughts or anger, because all these grieve the Holy Spirit. I will pour out and confess all my anxious emotions to You. Holy Spirit, please also search me and show me what part of my heart has not been crucified to the cross such that something like this would affect me so much. What desire have I not died to? Forgive me for holding anything back from You. Please also give me the discernment to understand this person’s true motives and desires and the evil spirits that work through him/her, so that I do not fall into the same trap. Instead, I pray for his/her salvation and bless him/her in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV  Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Ephesians 4:30-32 NKJV  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

As the Holy Spirit comforts, counsels, and corrects us, we find that our inner being is calmed, strengthened and returned to joy. This enables us to stand firm and respond respectfully to those who sin against us, as a living testimony of a true disciple of Jesus. Genuine followers will not succumb to the sins of other people. 

Matthew 5:16 NKJV  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

1 Peter 2:19-23 NKJV  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 

2. Don’t accuse God when we suffer the consequences of our own sins

God is a God of righteousness and justice. We will always reap what we sow.  When we sow good seeds, we will reap plenty of good fruit. When we sin, we will reap corruption. Hence, there can be times we suffer because we have opened the door to evil spirits through our own sins. For example, when we judge others for being foolish and making stupid mistakes, we will find that we inadvertently end up making more and more unwise decisions. When we hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness, spirits of affliction will gain entry to cause aches and pains in our bodies or even cancer. This is why Jesus said to the lame man whom He had healed, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 

Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

John 5:14 NKJV  Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

Sometimes, we even sin against ourselves by cursing, condemning or prophesying negatively over ourselves. There is genuine power in our words to bring life or death.

Matthew 12:35-37 NKJV  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

For example, if we have said, “No one in my family has a happy marriage,” we have actually prophesied negatively over ourselves and opened the door to evil spirits to bring destruction to our own marriages. Rather, we should say, “God is the Lord of my marriage and He will hold us together (Mark 10:9).” 

Or if we have ever said, “I will never be healed,” or “the doctor said this disease is incurable, therefore I have no hope,” then the enemy will use our words and heart beliefs to block our healing. Rather, we should say, “My body has been purchased by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20), He owns my body and determines my destiny. The Lord is my Healer (Exodus 15:26), it was by His stripes that healing has already been made available for me (Isaiah 53:5). I will confess my sins to righteous God-fearing believers, have them lay hands on me, anoint me with oil, and pray by faith for my healing (James 5:14-15).” 

When we are careful with our words and choose to be kind, generous, forgiving and merciful, our spirits will always feel light and free. We are not burdened by sin and don’t carry a heavy conscience. Our minds are not crowded with anxious, accusing, or dark thoughts. We are able to think clearly and listen to the Holy Spirit’s counsel. Hence, all things will always work out for our good even in the midst of great difficulties. We can be genuinely thankful and joyful in all circumstances because we have learnt how to be more than conquerors through Jesus Christ in us. For more, see Recognising and breaking word curses

Psalm 38:4-8 NKJV  For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

Spiritual minded prayer 

Here is how a spiritually minded person who is led by the Holy Spirit will pray:

“Holy Spirit, I come before You, as I do every day, and ask You to please show me anything I have done or said today that has grieved You so that I can make things right between You and me. Cleanse me and purify me and return to me the fullness of the joy of my salvation. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:2-4 NKJV  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

Psalm 51:10-12 NKJV  Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

3. Don’t accuse God when we are being disciplined for our own good

There can be times when the Lord will intentionally refine our character by allowing us to go through trials and tribulations. The fruit of the Holy Spirit does not come simply by us hoping for it. If we are to grow more patient and loving, for example, the Lord will bring people into our lives who will provoke us and test us in the areas that we are weakest in. If we are to show ourselves faithful to God, He will allow us to go through episodes in our lives that will truly test our loyalty to Him. 

Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

Sometimes our suffering is meant to test if we are ready for greater work in the Kingdom of God that our Creator has prepared ahead for us. True strength comes from enduring wickedness and still being able to do what is right in God’s eyes. This is the mark of true humility. God trusts and exalts the humble because the humble who submit to God’s will do not easily crumble in the face of adversity.

James 4:5-7 NKJV  Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:  “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

When these types of trials occur, we can rejoice because we know that God only chastens and disciplines those He considers legitimate children. He wants us to mature to be more like His firstborn Son, Jesus Christ. We can respond swiftly to God’s discipline and die a quick death to our carnal nature so that we reap the rewards early – or we can resist Him and become bitter. The latter choice disqualifies us from God’s higher calling on our lives. The choice is entirely ours.

James 1:2-4 NKJV  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Hebrews 12:5-13 NKJV  And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:  “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

2 Corinthians 13:4-15 NKJV  For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

Spiritual thinking 

Here is how a spiritually minded person who is led by the Holy Spirit will pray:

“Holy Spirit, this is a very challenging situation to be in. What is it that You would like me to learn and grow from all this? How can I respond in the way that makes me like Jesus Christ?”

4. Don’t accuse God when we suffer the curses of family iniquity 

God is the Source of life, good gifts, and blessings. He delights in those who trust in His perfect character and humbly place all their hopes in Him. He even gladly rejoices over us with singing! God is faithful and a promise keeping God. Therefore, when we enter into our covenant relationship with Him and obey Him, we can be confident that we will be lavished with His unfailing love for a thousand generations. 

Psalm 147:11 NKJV  The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV  The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV  “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Psalm 105:8 NKJV  He remembers His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,

If, on the other hand, we choose to enter into covenants with demonic powers through idol worship, witchcraft and other forms of rebellion, our families will also reap ongoing negative consequences as well. Every time we make any form of offering to an idol, we form a covenant with unclean spirits. Covenants are by nature, forever binding. Jesus shed His blood to purchase us back and annul such demonic covenants, along with all their rights and claims on us. Thank God for His mercy!

1 Corinthians 10:19-20 NKJV  What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

Ephesians 1:7 NKJV   In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 

In God’s mercy towards us, He also limits the curses from family iniquity against Him to three of four generations. For more, please see Breaking generational curses and Understanding our covenant relationship with God

Exodus 34:6-7 NKJV  And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

We can identify the likelihood of generational curses in our families if we notice some of the following patterns:

1. Broken family relationships and constant conflict
2. Early deaths, recurring illnesses
3. Mental illnesses 
4. Difficulty in childbearing and multiplying in number
5. Difficulty in prospering financially or materially

2 Chronicles 28:23 NKJV  For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him, saying, “Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel.

Such issues come about because our families have entered into covenants with demons that give these evil powers legal rights to “own” the family and all their descendents for generations. We need to keep in mind that Satan’s kingdom only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. God blesses His children, demons harass and torment theirs. Therefore, when we see our families suffer the effects of generational curses, it is not God whom we should be upset with, but demons!

John 10:10 NKJV  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Spiritual thinking 

Here is how a spiritually minded person who is led by the Holy Spirit will pray:

“Holy Spirit, I see certain negative recurring patterns in my family through the generations. Please reveal to me what family iniquity or demonic covenants my forefathers have made that I need to repent of, renounce and break in Jesus’ name so that these spirits can no longer have a legal claim to my God-given destiny.”

5. Don’t accuse God when our prayers are not answered

Evil spirits can also be behind hindered prayers. 

God hears every prayer the moment we voice them out from our hearts and He responds swiftly to those who humbly seek Him. If our prayers are not being answered, we can seek the Holy Spirit for revelation on the possible reasons why. Sometimes, He may give us the answers through Bible verses. Other times, He may speak to us directly or send someone to speak with us. Also, see What stops answered prayers, How to prepare our hearts to hear from God and How God answers prayers

1 Peter 3:7 NKJV  Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Isaiah 59:1-3 NKJV  Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.

Spiritual thinking 

Here is how a spiritually minded person who is led by the Holy Spirit will pray:

“Holy Spirit, please show me if there’s anything that is hindering answers to my prayers.”

God is for us, it is time to turn our hearts back to Him

It is crucial for followers of Jesus to have our minds renewed and not remain carnally minded. We do this by actively seeking the Holy Spirit for His counsel and instructions every day. The Holy Spirit’s voice is still, peaceful, and quiet, while the voices of evil spirits are harassing, tormenting, persistent, there will be no peace.

The Holy Spirit is our Help and Advocate. He will reveal things in the unseen that may hinder us from prospering in God’s will and lead us to victory. This, however, takes humility and the discipline to quiet our hearts down to listen to Him. We need to die to our own carnal understanding and reasoning, because some things in the spiritual may surprise us and not make much sense at first.

It is important for us to mature in our understanding and knowledge of spiritual things. Otherwise, we may shake our fists at God, our Creator and Saviour, out of ignorance. We all need to grow in our understanding and appreciation for the Lord. Where we have ever falsely believed that we need to forgive God, let us renew our minds and repent. God is for us, not against us. 

Romans 8:31 NKJV  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Testimony

“My extended family have all been Christians for three generations. Recently, an aunt developed cancer and her whole family prayed for her healing. She went through some very difficult times with the cancer treatment and felt that God did not come through to work a miracle for her. She became resentful and disappointed, even angry, counting all the things she had done for the church in the past. She felt she could not bring herself to “forgive God” for what He had “done to her”. At the end, she decided to leave the church and give up being a Christian altogether. This sent shock ripples across the extended family.

Sadly, my aunt’s decision revealed the true state of her faith and love for God. If someone forsakes you when it is no longer convenient for them, then maybe they never truly loved you in the first place. Did the cancer reveal the greater issue of her heart?

All this grieved me deeply and caused me to question my own faith. Would I leave Jesus when it became inconvenient? No one wants to suffer but will I endure hardship if it brings God glory at the end? Reading James 1 convicted me of the right thing to do. I will not forsake the crown of life that is ahead of me.”

James 1:2-4 NKJV  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:12 NKJV  Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

May this sharing be a blessing to you as you seek to love the Lord with all your heart.