Why We May Not Receive- Part 2
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. II Corinthians 1:20 (KJV)
Yesterday, we began looking at some of the reasons why Christians may not receive what God has promised them. Today, we’ll finish our list of potential reasons.
Lack of Endurance. We must remain in faith and press through with patience until we see what we are believing for (Hebrews 6:9, 12). It may be just a matter of time before you see it manifest. Often, believers grow weary and give up too quickly (Galatians 6:9).
Other People. If we ask other believers to stand in faith with us for something, their unbelief or other issues could affect the manifestation of the promise (Matthew 18:19, Amos 3:3). Other people can also try to discourage us from believing for something from God (Mark 10:48). Make sure you partner with faith-filled believers.
Lack of Faith. Faith is the highway upon which our promise travels to get to us . Without faith, or with inadequate faith, the promises has no way to get to us (Hebrews 11:1, James 1:6). We build up faith by being in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Lack of Wisdom. We must have wisdom from God to ask correctly and to ask in faith (James 4:3, James 1:6).
Discord and Offense Towards Others. When we are offended with others or have caused them to be offended at us, it hinders faith. Strife is a harmful and destructive thing (James 3:16, Mark 11:25-26)
Pride and a Bad Attitude. When we humble ourselves, then God can work with us. Pride blocks God’s operation in our lives. Jesus humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-11), and He is the only perfect example for us to follow.
Ignorance of Our Covenant Rights. Jesus cut a new and better covenant with His own blood, and if we aren’t aware of the rights we have under that covenant (Ephesians 2:11-18, Galatians 3:13-14, Romans 8:31, I Timothy 6:17, II peter 1:3-4), we will not receive what God has promised.
Not Knowing Scripture. God’s Word is His Will (II Corinthians 1:20, II Peter 1:3). if we do not know the Word, we don’t know what is available to us through faith.
Immaturity. Sometimes we don’t receive what we’ve asked for because we not ready to handle it yet. God often has to wait for us to grow up so that what He gives us does not harm us (Hebrews 5:11-13, I Corinthians 3:1-2, Ephesians 4:14-15). He is protecting us. It is up to us to apply ourselves to the things of God and grow up in Christ.
Being Hearers Only. We must be hearers of the Word AND doers of the Word. If we hear the Word, but do not put action with it, such as speaking the Word out of our mouths, faith is not activated and we receive nothing (James 1:22-25).
I have noted a number of reasons that we, or someone we know, may not be receiving from God that which He has promised. If we are unsure as to why the manifestation of a promise has not come to us, we can ask the Holy Spirit to show us. Often, we simply have to trust God and give it to Him. Many times, if we will give it to Him and then go on about our lives, the manifestation comes (Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 37:3, I Peter 5:7).
