By Zethu Zwane
Recent my heart has been very heavy. My heart is heavy indeed and it’s because I’ve been in difficult conversations with people who don’t realize that God, as the best parent, has the right to reprimand, mold you, start again and remold you to a Christ-like Image. Today I want to share my personal understanding of self will then I’ll follow this with a more concise and biblical perspective.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Ephesians 4:22 NIV
I’ve sat in too many spaces when people blame God for their actions when I believe recognizing your wrongful actions will lead to repentence and submission. It’s impossible to submit to God when you don’t understand where you’ve gone wrong. As a matter of fact, you’ll feel coersed and bullied into submission. Now tell me when has that ever worked for anyone?
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Previously, I said when I was starting my content creator gig, I met many big shots to middle entrepreneurs. I want to give you 1 example where I failed due to my self will and where I failed because God had closed the door. I believe this is the best place to start because God also started there with me.
Learning my personal ambitions don’t align to God’s will
I met countless entrepreneurs who offered to pay me $2,000. The projects used to go well until like a wink in the night, the entrepreneur turned hostile. Yes this is common in business where suppliers will pull nasty stunts. In business, you’ll alo be confronted by thieving employee or customers, but this felt deliberate.
The first 3 people told me I love money, so why should they pay the $2,000? The 4th told me I don’t know anyone in this country, so doing this job for free will benefit me. These were all lies, and it resulted in many delays and time lost. When you operate on self-will, you won’t have the armour of God to protect and guide you. Your self will operates on broken ideas of this world.
Nonetheless God’s mercy is what saves you from your actions. History doesn’t condone, what you did, but out of His love He must show you that staying in this belief will lead you to more destruction and delays. This is why full submission is about giving God all your plans and dreams. Should He show you a different life, celebrate it and live it. That’s because what He provides is sufficient for you.
Asking God to unviel your eyes is the most powerful step to submission
To begin submitting to God, your best prayer is asking God to open the veils of your eyes. Ask Him yo help you see what your eyes can’t and help you to understand what you can’t get. Then continue to say Lord Your ways are not your ways and God’s understanding is is far superior than anyone. Always ask God to help you see. You know when God helps you to see your faults, it always feels like an outer body experience.
Reason for this is because if you’re impatient like me, the following weeks will be uncomfortable. If you’re used to moving at a certain speed, you’ll suddenly feel uncomfortable with your speed. This is the holy spirit working in you.
Since you have relinquished your self will and desires, the holy spirit will begin worming in you. By the way at this point I had lost around $76,000 because someone else offered me a contract and never paid. Yet when I prayed about this one, God told me to continue helping this $76,000 loss. You’ll understand it here.
Great losses are traps for false teachers
Nonetheless, here I am at a $82,000 loss and this is where several people would loose hope in God. This is where so many people would loose faith in God. What does He mean keep working? Can I tell you what’s worse is when I slacked in my $76K agreement, the holy spirit convicted me; God was now my manager and the holy spirit my supervisor.
Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, [27] saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”
Genesis 24:26-27 NIV
And trust me when I say your heart or actions can’t hide from God or the holy spirit. It’s better you get reprimanded by the holy spirit than not God. A story for another day! Yet before I tell what I learned about this moment, let me tell you my issue with your self will. I met a fervent person who chased after me from sunrise to sunset trying to convince me that I’ll never be get my Breakthrough unless I go to a certain prophet.
The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ Those who deal with the law did not know me; the leaders rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied by Baal, following worthless idols.
Jeremiah 2:8 NIV
She said this prophet has the strongest prayers, and that his prayers would deliver me. She said they would pray and something would follow me all the days of my life? What would follow is only demonic and nothing to do with Christ
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
2 Peter 2:1 NIV
Test falsehoods against other Bible verses
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV
The biggest issue with this argument is that they use the bible verse that says prophets were given seperate gifts that you can’t have. Specifically they say prophecy is exclusive to prophets, which is a dangerous lie. This mis-interpretation of the verse has created a snare. Without the full Armour of God, you’ll be left to believe your endurance produces nothing.
Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
2 Peter 2:2 NIV
Not only this, but this misinterpretion suggests your perseverance is meaningless. It’s important to highlight how their interpretation contradicts other verses, so you see the snare created. Bible Verses are meant to build upon each other as opposed to conract each other. Save yourself from accidentally forsaking God by believing in these falsehoods.
This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;
2 Peter 2:10 NIV
The dangers here is false teachers emphasize that Bible verse to show you that your prayers will not work because you don’t have the prophet’s strength or gift. Listen my tears reached Heaven, and God redeemed me! Still false teachers lie saying you’ll never have have the gift of prophecy, so you won’t receive deliverance.
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
2 Peter 2:17 NIV
Don’t follow someone who’ll lead you to death
This is completely false, and I’m convinced these prophets have stolen your blessings and provisions! You must be honest with yourself; The Jews lost many provisions because they followed religious practices against God. Likewise whenever you follow affirmations or false teachers, you’ve moved away from God. And nothing good comes out of following false teachings. You can’t pray to God and run to prophets or affirmations.
Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the Lord. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:32 NIV
The issue with prophecy is that it distorts and contradicts faith. What’s the point of believing in and waiting for things unseen when someone can just give you the news right now? These false prophets will tell the exact way something will be delivered, and trust me when I say the devil also answers prayers before he kills, steals and destroys.
But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.
2 Peter 2:12 NIV
This is why false prophets are challenging God’s Authority. Recall when the devil said Jesus must worship to have all kingdom? This the devil tried giving new meaning to previous Bible Verses like false teachers will do. Listening to falsehoods will make you self entitled.
Listening to falsehoods makes you self-entitled
Whenever yoy start considering falsehoods, your heart is becoming rebellious to God. This is because your heart lies by believing God will not only show mercy on you, but He will restore all that your lost. My issue with this belief, how will you learn to stop falling into the snares of your deceitful heart, if you feel entitled to a full reatoration? This is the biggest grievance I have with forsaking your actions.
The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5 NIV
Many times you’ll need to acknowledge where you went wrong. Instead you self will makes repentence sound more like a childish tantrum than true grief over your actions. Are you sorry about your actions? What’s worse, false teachers’ delusional revelations are from Satan and nowhere near God.
and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:26 NIV
What saddens me about this point is when I highlight this, people want to argue that my God is an unjust God. God is not my God alone; He’s your Lord God Almighty. Go reread Job and Exodus. Read those books because God has the right to withold and give. And you should be happy when He witholds because He’s working on you. They say God is unjust if He will strip away your blessings as opposed to just giv and entiing it back.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. [15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:14-15 NIV
Their followers are entangled in anger and entitlement when you tell them God will not give them their blessings. You can’t serve any other gods. Plus by following false revelations, you’ve experienced John 10:10. This is why I’m against the idea false prophets are the only ones to save you. What’s actually happens is they’ve corrupted this verse in the Bible. And why does the prophet sound like a fortune tellers?
You’ll experience John 10:10 when you don’t test prophets words against the bible
I resent this action greatly, and I resent the lack of responsibility. You need to be responsible for your self will and actions. Please read 1st Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1st Kings 2 Kings, Jeremiah and Isaiah. These chapters will help you see that God sent many warnings about listening to and praying to false prophets.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
1 Timothy 6:9 NIV
God shows that by choosing such a path, you’ve forsaken God. He warns you before judging and reprimanding you. As His child I’ve been reprimanded many times, and it won’t be the last. This is why you should take responsibility for even your greatest losses. Countless people before have lost more than $178,000 like I have. Yet how you turn and repent matter more than your past. Today I hope you fix your ideas on self-will .
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Romans 2:8 NIV
Your actions matter because if you believe that praying under bleach and fizz pops at 4a.m. will bring you your breakthrough, you’re completely wrong. I can’t even begin to describe the spiritual entanglements and warfare you’ll go through.
hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 5:5 NIV
That’s why it’s so important for me to emphasize that you stop. Stop believing in false prophets. Never allow someone to stop you from enduring, persevering in prayer. Keep praying and seeking God alone to see God’s glory
Another example where the devil tried to ensare using my deceitful heart
I want to give you another example to deepen this issue. Last year and this year I encountered so many malicious people. Seriously people have been stealing from me since last year, so happy New years was not to happy. I was shattered and defeated. During that time I knew I had to wait for God becaue I’ve failed Him before, but my sould was weak. I spent 3 months having dreams of everything coming back.
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.
Psalms 119:29 NIV
These dreams were lustful corruptions of the devil! If I believed in these dreams, I would have struck the rock. Then I would have lost God’s trust . Don’t you know these false teachers are training you to listen to your deceitful heart as opposed to God’s will. And I love day dreaming, but God has never answered me according to my day dreams and heart. He has always answered according to His will.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Ephesians 4:22 NIV
The best part about God answering according to His will is that you’ll gain more spiritual growth, but these false prophets are stealing this from you! The devil will answer your prayers and your desires, only to destroy them, so yoy loose hope in God. Plus if you don’t learn to endure and persever in prayer, you’ll create so many delays and destructions.
Not taking responsibility for your actions leads to self-destruction
Imagine destroying your own path; this is what false prophets and your deceitful heart will do. So coming back to my $78,000 loss, I learned my heart was deceitful. My impatience created a footing for the devil, and he created a ensure. If I didn’t turn around to say I was wrong, the enemy would have continued to say that you don’t deserve this $2,000. Remember God said continue doing the $76,000 job. Testimony for this contract are all over my series on harsh environments.
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV
So the $2,000 was important to me, but by the time I came to the 5th entrepreneur, I cried. I realized my idols and impatience were leading me down the wrong paths. I couldn’t determine who’s for me and who’s against me. I didn’t bother to ask God to bring the right people. All of this was according to my idols. This is when I repented and began to see how my circle of friends will influence beliefs.
I cut people out who would judge my new beliefs, so that I’m not tempted to go back my old beliefs. Then 10 months later, someone stole $2,000 that was rightfully mine. During that time I prayed about doing this new project and God approved. Remember when God approved, He won’t talk to you. However, when you’re on the wrong path, God will send warnings.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:8-10 NIV
Enduring and persevering against all odds and losses went to glorify God’s power and authority
Anyway when the $2,000 was stolen, I prayed that day and went to report the wrongdoings. That’s when the Lord fought for me, and delivered me. It was also a big testimony because countless witnessed it, but only 2 asked me to help them pray like I had prayed. Know this important thing. This Christian Life is a life of endurance.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
Romans 5:3 NIV
Today there’s nothing as important as stressing this point. Far too many people are capable of going to church, but choose to stay home and watch church live. What a heartbreaking truth because those same people will ask God for help or Forsake Him. I can’t say when God will help you because I don’t have 6 eyes and 6 wings like His angels. Yet this self-entitled belief is a poison in many churches.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3 NIV
Some people have learned nothing about persevering in prayer because they listen to their prophets pray for 2 hours and believe these prayers will come to fruition. What happened to the verse that says go pray in a secret place because your God is in secret? This Christian life is a life of discipline. It requires you to endure because not all your prayers will be answered according to your desires
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Don’t be surprised or disappointed when God withholds something to address many areas
Instead God doesn’t answer prayers because He knows your heart more than you do. He knows the moment you get what you prayed for, you’ll think it’s strength alone. As a result you won’t tithe, and you’ll stop watching live church. You’ll use the sabbath for worldly pleasures. Then you’ll fill your time with family and friends. God will cease to exist. Yet how can you know this when you rely on others to pray for you.
He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Jeremiah 18:6 NIV
For a start, God withholds because your heary and focus are eon this earthly possessions. And going through hardships will reveal to you your idols. Trust me; my winning and crying only delayed my wilderness season becaue I didn’t realize I was crying over earthly possessions.
“Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?
Isaiah 45:9 NIV
God will provide, but He must purify your heart from desires and wrdly idols. This is why I love the Lord like a circle. He didn’t give me what I thought I needed; instead He changed me into a better person. Understand this; only grief when God has left you to your own downfall. This is the greatest sadness, so cling to Him and thank Him and He withholds something.
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 NIV
Celebrate when God molds you again and again in different areas of your life
As the Potter,God must mold you, so you can also see your true nature. For instance when you crack under pressure, do you return to God or do you chase after false teachings? Do you resent God when He withholds something because your heart has hidden agendas? Don’t you know God is the Alpha and Omega; He’s seen your tomorrow and yesterday. He lays them out to examine you.
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 NIV
That’s why it’s difficult for people to understand God the Potter or Afflictor when they don’t understand self will. You must format accept and take responsibility for your actions, beliefs, idols and desires. If they remain against God’s will, turn and repent. Repentence shouldn’t be so difficult, but you lack of acknowledgement has made hard.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. [31] I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. [32] I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
Psalms 119:30-32 NIV
My best advise for you today is to do bible studies on submitting your full life to God. Then if you practice affirmations, do a Bible study on falsehoods and new age religions. Or better yet, watch Mike Marzzalingo. He perfectly gives a history on how people moved away from the word of God. Finally spend the rest of the year praying about self will, and ask God to help show you His Character.
Remember this when the devil tempted David, God started punishing David, but David quickly saw his wrong doings and took responsibility. My hope for you today is that you’ll learn more about your self will, so you will submit to God. There’s power, restoration and redemption from submitting your life to Jesus Christ. Today make it your goal to serve and worship only 1 God.
I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. [45] I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. [46] I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
Psalms 119:44-46 NIV
This is because so many people have lost so God’s provisions and blessings by following false prophets. The enemy comes to destroy God’s provision. This is why you need to understand how you individual actions lead to delays.
Then take your time doing binle studies, so you learn how God’s grace and submitting to Him will save you. Your self will plays a vital role to demolish all schemes of the enemy. Yet know this; It’s by God’s grace that it didn’t destroy you. It’s by God’s grace that when you turn and repent, you’ll be saved.
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