You Can’t Have It Both Ways

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24 (NKJV)

A few years ago, when our house was going to be foreclosed and we were at the verge of losing our home, my husband and I made the decision to pray together. We were in agreement that we wouldn’t lose our home, and we prayed every night. We worked with a financial restoration company that had access to a state program for homeowners. Meetings and paperwork, we did all that we could to keep our house and the rest was lifted in prayer. It was now up to God.

The hardest part about being in a faith fight is overcoming the amount of time that passes while you’re in it. Not knowing when your victory will come is a tough pill to swallow. In the middle of our “home saving” process, I decided to start looking for apartments. You know, “just in case.” I drove by a “For Rent” sign and I thought it wise to look. Then, other thoughts followed, ‘maybe it was time to go?’ ‘Maybe our time in this city is over?’ ‘Maybe God is calling us to another place?’ My faith had wavered.

After searching a few places online and looking in different cities within New Jersey, I felt a press in my spirit. Why was I looking elsewhere? And, I heard Holy Spirit say, “Which one is it? Are you keeping your home or are you moving? You can’t have it both ways.” Instantly, I shut down the computer, got up, and started declaring over my home. God made it clear that what I was doing conflicted with what I was believing. And, what I was saying, outside of prayer, was conflicting with my prayer, too.

My friend, let me ask you, what are you believing God for out of His Word? Whatever you believe, you must declare it! Otherwise, it won’t work. So, check your heart, check your belief, and check your actions – what you do and say when you’re not praying! Because the Bible says that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways (James 1:8) and we simply can’t have it both ways.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word! Lord, thank You for Your wisdom, strength, and endurance to stay the course. Forgive me for any thoughts of doubt and contradicting words. You are not man that You should lie or change Your mind. So, if You made a promise, I know You will keep it. You are my Promise-Keeper, Miracle-Worker, and Way-Maker. Maybe I don’t see it right now, but like Abraham, I declare my faith will not waver. I believe that I receive, and I shall have what I say because it is aligned with Your Word. So, I thank You in advance! I praise You for it now! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Weekly Wisdom Challenge: Wise women walk by faith and not by sight. We know that we serve a Sovereign God Who loves us enough to check us when our actions or words are “feelings-driven” versus “spirit-driven.” This week, measure your words outside of prayer. Take time to reflect and be honest with yourself about what you’re really believing in your heart. Then, think about what you say that either agrees with your belief or might be contradicting it. Practice switching up your verbiage to align with your belief. Let me know how it goes!