Two of Webster’s definitions for the word “appropriate” are 1) proper; 2) to take for oneself; so it is appropriate... to appropriate. When it comes to spiritual blessings, it is proper to take them for one’s own self. How I thank God for bringing this great truth into my Christian life while I was still an infant in Christ.
I have noticed many sincere and godly saints who spend a lifetime praying for certain things without ever receiving them. Why is this? Because God does not give us what we already have. In cases of spiritual blessings, I need to appropriate them, not pray for them. I may need to pray for a car or finances—anything I need and do not already have—but not for something I already possess.
For example, He has already given me His peace; for me to pray for it would be futile. I need to appropriate the peace I already have. I’m reminded of how God had already given Israel the land, but told Joshua they must go in and appropriate it by faith (Josh. 1:3). Interestingly enough, Paul tells New Testament believers in Ephesians 1:3 that God “...hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places…”
It’s a “done deal.” All I have to do is take them for my own. “According to your faith be it unto you,” says the Lord Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment