The Spiritual Litmus Test

Do you ever wonder how some people can remain calm in the midst of a storm, while others panic and question and worry?

How do we react when life feels out of control?
When worries and stress threaten to overwhelm us?
Or temptation seems too strong to resist?

There is a question you can ask yourself that will help:

When was the last time you read the Bible and prayed?

Sometimes it's that simple.

"But I've prayed about it" you say,  "God already knows what I need", or "I just need to do better". God didn't design us to be able to handle sin and guilt.  When we attempt to go it alone in our own strength we usually fail.

Often times we throw out cursory prayers asking for God to help us or protect us from temptation, as if we have it mostly under control and we just need God to give us that last bit of strength or help when life is particularly hard.  But the reality is that even as believers with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we still need to rely on God, daily, for strength.

Look at 1 Peter:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-10

If you notice the progression of these verses:

1. Humble yourself before God 
2. Cast all your anxiety on him
3. Be alert 
4. Resist
5. Suffer
6. Be restored and strengthened

Without preparation for battle we often find ourselves struggling and crying out for help.  But if we start with prayer and reading the word beforehand then God will keep us from falling through His power and grace.  

If you feel like you are constantly ending up in one spiritual crisis and battle after the next, take the spiritual litmus test.  Chances are that you haven't humbled yourself before God in prayer and reading the word recently and you are relying on your own power to battle.