Another matter which can sometimes interfere with our ability to experience one of God's promises is willful and on-going sin.
In Isaiah 59:1,2 (NIV)we read about God's frustration with His praying but unrepentant people. He said,
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear."
Sin, especially willful and persistent sin (as opposed to unintentional sin), separates us from God. When this happens, the first order of business must not be the thing we have been requesting, but the condition of our heart. God is not opposed to blessing us with the various things we request, but of utmost importance is our relationship with Him. When that breaks down due to sin, be must put our requests on the back burner.
It's been said that sin is what we do when we are not satisfied with God. Sin is appealing when we become bored. Resisting sin isn't about will power as much as it is about becoming re-fascinated with God. In order for this to happen, we need to see Him afresh, with a new set of eyes. He can re-open your eyes. Would you like this to happen?
More next week.