By Dennis Householter

Does it seem as though God doesn’t respond to your prayers? Sometimes you wonder if He even hears those prayers. We’re all at different stages in our lives, but there is a common process that we must all go through to mature in Christ. Ask God to show where you’re at right now as we examine this process together.

First is our trust in God. Does He seem like a dictator or a tyrant? Is it true that if I get out of line He will not hear me or even use the rod of discipline on me? How I view God determines the ability I have to trust Him to work through my prayers. Some may need to mature from the view that we are servants of the lowest state. Most of us are at the place of realizing that we’re sons and daughters of the King, but how many are at the place of being the Bride of Christ? Jesus desires us much more than we desire Him. Look at the Song of Solomon and see the truth of that relationship for us today. We need to desire our Bridegroom as much as He desires us!

How about those who labor at prayer but nothing seems to happen? You can see others less mature in the Lord receiving blessings from simple prayers. God has not written you off as of little value. The Lord is coming to sweep over your life and burn up the impurities. This hurts, but only for a little while. You should prepare for this and be waiting. Cry out to Him to do it quickly. May God grant you the perseverance to wait for Him. If you’re discontented at this point, that’s a good sign. God wants to soften our hearts and conform us into the image of His Son. If you’re content now, take warning. Loosen your grip on your life and be ready to lay it all down for His sake. Let us be as Paul when he said, "His grace is sufficient for me."

Some are in a time of purifying fire right now. God’s conviction of sin is not pleasant but realize it’s only a moment compared to eternity with Him. Personal habits that God used to "wink at" are not acceptable any longer. Relax and let the fire cleanse you. It is necessary and good. The best gold has come out of the hottest flames. You are not being punished, but it is training for the good of the kingdom. Don’t avoid the pains by being so busy. Don’t fight against the fire! Cooperate with Him and the time of "burning" will be very short. Prepare for the burning desert that is coming next.

What about those who have come through pain of the cleansing and now it seems as if there’s nothing left? You may feel empty and barren, even ignored by God. God may have removed friends, family, relationships, jobs, homes, or health in this time of fire. You wonder if there is anything left to build a life from. You identify with Job, "Where is God?" and David, "How long, O God, how long will you wait?" Much of what you used to value may be gone. Hang on and hold on! God is now on the way. His presence is near you. He will soon"water" you by His Holy Spirit. Realize that He is teaching you that your only hope is in Him. He alone is your portion in the land of the living. It’s time to run to Him for everything. Nothing in this life will sustain you but His presence.

Some are now being touched by His grace, mercy, love, and joy. You are receiving the "watering of His Spirit" and the "Light of the Son." Life seems to be one long party with God. He’s wonderful and aswesome. You have never loved Him so much in your life. Church and prayer times are joyous and light. You see more clearly and walk with a light step. Even the air is refreshing to breathe. Receive, receive, receive! Drink it up! Soak in His goodness! Burst forth with thanksgiving, praise, and worship your Father. Don’t try to leave this season too soon. Stay and receive as long as He waters and showers down on you. Don’t be selfish, but share it with others. Invite them to join with you. They may be very thirsty and need help to drink of the Father’s blessings. This season will not last forever and you need every blessing that Jesus is pouring out on you for the next part of His plan for your life. Watch carefully for His timing on when to leave. Don’t go out ahead of Him, but don’t lag behind. He knows when it’s time for you to move on.

Then there are those who have moved out of the "renewing" of the Lord and are now back in steady growth, increased service, and contentment in the Lord. Life is not a continual party any longer. You’ve noticed some very real changes in yourself. There’s more maturity. Others are seeing this change and are coming to you for counsel and help. The ways of God are clearer than they’ve ever been in your life. You are beginning to minister in powerful ways seeing much good come forth in their lives. You’re now more content, more relaxed, more focused on your love relationship with Christ and others. You are becoming a harvester, a disciple, an equipper of others. The entire process was all worth it. Thank Him, thank Him, and thank Him some more. Rejoice in Him and what He has done for you! Grow and mature more. Take the spot that He has marked for you in the Kingdom. Don’t despise the slowing down of the spiritual "party life.&qu ot; Enjoy the fullness. Produce good fruit for Him, your husband. Both the lost and new believers are out there waiting for you. He has placed these before you and constantly graces you to do good things. Be fruitful and multiply. You are becoming the Bride of Christ.

Where are you at right now? Let Jesus grow you up to a measure of full maturity. The time is short, the harvest is great, and the laborers are few. Ezekiel 36: 17-27 is God’s word to you today. Let’s join praying God’s Word back to Him.

Lord God, you said that you would change...