Living the Real Christian Life

I am reading Andrew Murray's Power in Prayer, and I'm having a

hard time putting it down. It has so many crucial points for the Christian. Murray writes, "We find the Christian life difficult because we seek for God's blessings while we live according to our own will." Take a moment and think about this. Isn't it true? We take so much upon ourselves - to provide for ourselves and our families, to care for those we love, to be successful in our work, to make a name for ourselves, to win affection, to solve the world's problems through our political stands, etc. All of this is contrary to Biblical teachings and in

opposition to God's will. He wants us to rely on Him, to turn everything over to Him. When He directs our lives, we will be responsible, and those around us will be better off. We need to have a deep abiding faith in our Lord, surrender our lives to Him, establish a close, personal relationship, and trust in Him without reservation. We look to the characters in the Bible who did this as Fathers of the Faith. Yet, we fail to follow their example.

Murray goes on to mention that we make plans and choices on our own and then expect God to bless them. But, if we relate to the Lord in the right way, we will be at His disposal.

"...Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).
"...not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42).

Our lives will be so much richer and fuller, when we follow His directives. Our burdens will be lifted from us, and we will have peace and joy, despite the circumstances.

Prayer holds it all together. Our lack of prayer shows a lack of faith and indicates we have little desire to fellowship and talk with God. When we invited Christ into our lives, we gave Him our hearts and lives, and He took away our sins. Now we belong to Him, but we need to quit wanting to take back control. We should realize He does a much better job of directing our lives than we do.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths? (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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