Spirit of Cooperation

Awhile back I received a message from God that a relationship I was in would experience healing and be stronger than ever. I’ve held on to that promise every time there is friction in that relationship.

Over time the mind picture that I had has started to fade and I have began to wonder if it was just my hopeful imagination that thought of the outcome or if it was really from God.

While reading my devotional about King David, the message took place when he became King of all Israel and he had defeated all the enemies and began to experience the promise God had given him many years before.

The key take away that I received was that David didn’t sit around waiting for God to make it happen. He was active in fighting the enemies and doing whatever God had asked him to do.

Romans 7:18-19 reads, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” 

I know that I have a part to play in that promise being fulfilled, yet I find myself watching and waiting for it to happen, constantly wondering why the other person is not responding when the truth is, neither am I.

“When God assures us of a promise, He desires for us to respond by cooperating in the fulfillment of that promise. Sometimes that means battle; at other times God directs us to sit still and wait. Wisdom involves learning to know the difference. Whether God tells us to sit, stand or move, He calls us to respond with a spirit of cooperation.” (Beth Moore – David)

God gives us the power to respond through His Holy Spirit that lives within us. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 -10 we are reminded that “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body.”

Because His Spirit dwells within us we can declare, “In You Lord I have the power I need; in You Lord I can do the things that I don’t want to do and fulfill my part in receiving Your promises.”

A person after God’s own heart will develop a spirit of cooperation, working hand in hand with God in whatever He calls us to do. David had many battles to fight with other nations and within his own household. Every time before going to battle he would inquire of the Lord. The Lord would specifically direct him in the course of action he was to take.

Upon receiving God’s direction, David cooperated and the outcome was victorious and the promises God had given him were fulfilled.

A good reminder for me when I don’t feel like cooperating is to remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He will give me the spirit of cooperation and a willing heart to make the changes that I need to make. At the same time that helps me to take the focus off the other person and what they are or are not doing and trust that God is working in their heart at the same time.

My Prayer

Father, forgive me for sitting by and not doing my part in preparing to receive the promise that You have given me. I know what I should do and often I just don’t do it. Please forgive me and help me have a spirit of cooperation with what You are doing. Help me to speak Your words of power and presence whenever I feel helpless and overwhelmed with the changes I need to make in myself. I do trust in Your promises and thank you for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Philippians 4:13

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”