One of our men shared with me some time ago about a financial disaster in his life. He explained that before that time, he was the most carnal Christian there was. He only remembered praying three times. When he got married, he prayed, “God bless my marriage.” When his first child was to be born, he prayed, “God help my child to be healthy.” When he wanted to go into business for himself, he prayed, “God help me to get this business.” He didn’t want God to help him run it—he could do that by himself. He just wanted God to help him get it. God helped him to get his business, and the man said he made one glorious mess out of it. Out of that painful experience he began to grow and to be fruitful in the spiritual realm. God cleanses us by the blood. He cleanses us with his word, and he cleanses us is through the discipline of brothers and sisters in Christ.
