Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

Many believers come from family lines that have generational cycles of destruction and dysfunction within them. As we know, many abusers were raised by abusive fathers and many addicts were raised by parents who struggled with addiction. This is not always the case, but it is often the case.

When a believer has come from a generational line of demonic cycles, the first thing that we do is to repent on behalf of those who have gone before us; and then repent for our sins that have been attached to the sins visited upon us. But often we stop there and are left wondering why the “curses” are not broken and the cycles of destruction and failures continue.

There are a few keys that I’d like to share with you that will allow you to walk out the freedom that you prayed for.

1. Trust

Most heroes of the faith had one thing in common: they trusted in God.

Trust in God will move you out of destructive cycles that have been formed in those places of pain and betrayal that bring about an independence from God. We are called to live and walk in absolute dependency upon God; therefore trust must be restored so that cycles of rebellion, stubbornness, offense, pride, and self-centeredness can be broken.

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalms‬ ‭9:10‬

2. Obedience

When we come to know Christ as our Savior and we repent of our sins (and even for the sins of our forefathers) this means that we change our ways! We no longer walk according to the flesh and the sins of the flesh but we walk according to the Spirit and in obedience to all of His ways and commandments.

We must “turn from our wicked ways” and follow Christ. This means that we allow the Spirit of God to search us and see if there is any offensive way within us (Psalm 139:23-24). If there is rebellion, pride, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, or a lying tongue, we must repent and by the help of the Holy Spirit, as well as those who God has put in our lives to walk with us, change our ways.

“You must love the Lord your God and keep (obey) His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments always.” Deuter­­onomy‬ ‭11:1‬

We must also understand that obedience to God and to His designated authorities does not stifle freedom—it frees us. Rebellion breeds independence and independence breeds pride and pride always comes before a fall. To walk in authority we must first understand how to live in authority!

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:17‬ ‭

3. Humility

Often we need the help of the family of God to break familiar and destructive cycles. Humbling yourself before those who walk in intimate relationships with you is vital for your freedom. Confess your sins and bring them into the light so that there are no hidden places of darkness.

We must also humble ourselves before God. As we choose the posture of humility it will break the independent cycles bred by pride—cycles that divide people from one another and from God.

A humble heart is a teachable heart. Humility causes the soil of your soul to be soft and “good soil” for all that the Lord desires to plant within you. Humility comes before integrity which is required for true authority.

“But He gives more grace. For this reason it says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”” James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

James 4 goes on to say in verse 10,

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭

4. Love

If we want to truly see lasting change in our lives and the lives of our family line then we must learn to love. Not love according to the world’s definition, but as Love Himself defines it in 1 Corinthians 13. There is power in love and the attributes of God’s love set men free.

Pray through these verses, read them aloud, ask the Spirit of the Lord to plant every aspect of love into the soil of your life. Repent of any violations against love so that you can be free!

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭

Conclusion—

We must understand that we can pray for cycles to be broken and generational cycles (curses) to be lifted, but after we pray we must walk out the “new way” (God’s way). We must put feet to our prayers and agreements. His Word is true and we cannot mix truth with lies. You cannot mix obedience with rebellion, humility with pride, or dependency with independence.

God has given you keys to freedom throughout His Word. Receive them and watch freedom come!

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