1. True Love must recognize the devices of the devil and refuse to operate on his level.

a. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy
b. The devil comes to grieve and deceive through false promises of relief.
c. The devil comes to steal our rest so we can't pass the test.

2. True Love must be willing to let go - so that others and you can grow.

Ex. My friend named Leodus got a new fish tank. He had two very big yet beautiful PACKO fish which the other fish in the tank were beating up on. Them. Although the PACKO fish were twice the other fish's size, their nature was not one of fighting so in order to help them survive the owner took them out of the large tank they were in, put them in a smaller container and asked me if I wanted them. Because I love fish I said yes and headed over to pick them up.

When I got their, they were both jumping around in the small container full of life. I stopped to ask my friend if he could help me fill out some non profit tax forms so he did and this delayed me getting the fish home to my house and into the bigger tank. When we finished the tax work we realized that one of the fishes had died and the other one appeared to be dead also. I move him around in the water but he just fell back on his side as if I was two late to save him. My friend had another friend to come over just as I was leaving and before I got 4 blocks from the house he had Leodus call me to tell me the one fish was still breathing and asked if I wanted to come back to try to rush him home to my tank. I did but when I put him in my tank it appeared that it was just to late for him and he was so weak. I said a half prayer over him and tried to put a little fish food and medicine in the tank, and to keep my fish from attacking him until to see if he would revive.

After about 30 min. of watching over him I decided to go to bed and prayed he would survive until the morning. When I went to make my early morning bath room run around 3:30 I was surprised to see that he had survived and that he was holding his own.

Just like Leodus had to let go of that fish for it to survive we must also do some letting go if we are going to survive this thing called love.

a. Let go of unrealistic dreams that don't line up with God's written or rehema word for your life.
b. Let go of your personal fears of failing God and others.
c. Let go of the concept that there is no pain if God reigns.

3. True love must embrace the promise if it wants to receive the provision.

a. Embrace the promise through anticipating / visualizing the reward
b. Embrace the promise by confessing your expected end.
c. Embrace the promise by rehearsing your past test and victories.

Interrogative: Many of us here today are not succeeding in surviving this thing call love because we have not acknowledged our need for the God, the creator of love and we've been doing things that don't lead us to His promises or provisions. Just as God had a way of escape for Abraham to get back into the right position to receive His promises and provisions so God has a way of escape for you. Weather it be the love of a spouse, family member, co worker, neighbor, or friend it all starts with turning our hearts to God.

Invitation to salvation and dedication: God is not obligated to fulfill promises to those who have not 1st given their hearts and lives to Him. However, scripture says that it reigns on the just and the unjust. That simply means that God can show mercy or kindness to those who don't belong to him but only at His digression. When He does show mercy or kindness to those who do not belong to Him it is only done to help to draw the unsaved to Himself. If you have somehow lost your direction and peace in this struggle called love, why not give the giver of love a chance to save you and to fix your other relationships.

Pray this simple prayer and mean it with all of your heart. Father God in heaven I'm sorry that I've tried to do things on my own without first acknowledging that you are the only true source of love. Forgive me of all my sins and make me a part of your family that I might be pleasing in your sight. Please show me the right way to live and serve you. I accept your direction and receive your promises in this thing called love. Thanks You in the name of Jesus. Amen

About the Author

Kathy is an Ordained Minister, has her Masters degree in Counseling, volunteers as a Prison Chaplin, interprets for the deaf, is the host of a Gospel radio show and is mother to four children. She has also been the legal foster mother to 31 other children. She has served as Co Senior Pastor at her church for the past 34 years.

Author's homepage: http://www.kaedjpublishing.com