Nothing happens or changes in our life until we operate the H.O.W principle: Honesty, Openness, Willingness. Even God's hands are "tied" until we work this principle. We see this in the life of the Prodigal Son. Nothing changed until he said, "I will arise and go to my father and will say..."I have sinned". Because he was honest, open and willing, his story ended well: yours can too!

 

How do you operate the H.O.W principle? 

1. HONESTY: The solution begins with you. Take a long hard look and be honest with yourself. Is the misery and failure you repeatedly face the result of your attitudes and actions? We are often our own worst enemy yet we are quick to assign the blame to the devil or people. A new spouse, a new job, a new car or a new house won't cure what's wrong if the cause is within you! You may have a million excuses for the way things are in your life right now, but until you are honest and admit to the role you are playing to maintain status quo, things will never change! The Prodigal Son "came to himself" and realized his rebellion was the reason why he was eating with the pigs.

 

2. OPENNESS: The Prodigal Son was open to make whatever changes were needed to bring a change in his situation. He was not sure what the outcome would be but he knew the rules he rebelled against at home were essential to his happiness. For us, having a teachable spirit is the key. We all have a desire to become better, to do more for God, to make our lives count. However if we don't have a teachable spirit...a willingness to open up and let the word of God be spoken over us in truth, nothing will change. The malady in the body of Christ is that we all loved to be encouraged but hate to be rebuked! The word of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) 

 

3. WILLINGNESS: Act now while you still can. The Prodigal son's father didn't pick him up and carry him home; he had to do the leg work. Things don't evolve and improve on their own. Certain things left unattended and uncorrected get worse, not better. That's so whether it's your health, your marriage, your children, your finances, or your walk with God. So face reality and take action. It is the willing and obedient that gets to eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19) 

Angela 

 

 

Heart to Heart Ministries is a ministry of

Heart and Health Ministries International.