I was praying yesterday for more grace, more power in my Christian life, and more of the Spirit’s presence in my life when God interrupted my prayer. You would think He would be happy with such a prayer, but yes, He literally stopped me and told me that I was praying a useless prayer. Before I had time to get upset with this interruption, I decided it might be a good idea to listen. I have a history of talking over God because I know the “spiritual” answers to most problems, but His interruption seemed very purposeful.

Phillip, (only God and my Mom call me this)

You have asked for more grace, but I have given you all the grace you will ever need. “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When you are weak, it is when I am stronger in your life. More grace is not what you need. You think that since you have no emotional feeling that you lack My grace. My grace is not an emotional feeling, instead, it is undeserved blessing that I give to you everyday.

You have asked for more power in your life, but you already have all the power that you will ever need. “My divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). You think that since you have failures in overcoming sin that it is due to Me withholding my power from you. Unfortunately, your failure to overcome sin is due to you ignoring the power I have already given you. You fight these battle in your own strength, and as you have noticed, this will always end in defeat and discouragement.

You have asked for more of My Spirit’s presence in your life, but you already have all of my Spirit within you. “You are My temple and My Spirit lives within you.” (1 Corinthians 3:16) You think that you don’t have all of me, but I have already given you all of Myself. You are my son, and there is nothing you can do to be more of My son, and nothing you can do to be less of a son either. “My Spirit has sealed you until the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

Lord, I will trust in your grace, rest in your power, and abide in your Spirit. Without you I can do nothing (John 15:5). I will stop (indirectly) blaming you for my failures in overcoming sin and instead, live in your victory. Thank you Lord for a great interruption.