I don’t know about you but there are times when I feel that I am such a disappointment to the Lord. I get up each morning with a desire to please Him, to let my light so shine and to show more concern and compassion to those around me – to be less judgmental and critical. My days usually have a great start – setting aside time for prayer and study first thing in the morning, hoping these disciplines will affect my choices and behavior as I move throughout my day. But invariably, I find myself stumbling over the same sins I am trying so hard to overcome!!!! The words of Paul in Romans 7:21-24 describe my plight well: “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”
But that’s not the end of the story!!! Enter the freedom-setting words of Romans 7:25-8:1:
“Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!!! Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those are in Christ Jesus.”
The “bottom line” is that we all need to remember that we are a work in progress.
Our Christian walk will usually consist of 3 steps forward and 1, or 2, back. But we must keep moving forward, knowing we are not alone in our struggle against sin and setbacks. Philippians 2:12-13 is a great reminder of not only HOW we are to walk through this life but WHO is walking with us:
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”
The study of God’s Word is key to walking daily with Him and to trusting Him in all circumstances. We must not merely READ his Word but we must also be able to APPLY its truths to our life situations. As you study His Word, select several Scriptures that truly speak to your soul as well as into your circumstances. Some key ones that I find so helpful:
Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in the Lord at all times; pour out your heart to Him; for He is our refuge.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
In my mind, these verses re-enforce 3 necessary components of an authentic Christian walk:
- To trust
2. When necessary, wait
3. To hope
The disappointments will come, and the struggles will continue, as long as we are walking on this earth. But you will know both peace and victory as you stand firmly on the truths of His life-changing Word.
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Christine
