Had one of ‘those’ days yesterday. A day when my flesh took over and I did things I said I wouldn’t do anymore. A day when I wonder how real will I really be in my next blog post.
Hm. I don’t feel that confessing specifics to you all is necessary. I mean, we’re told “…those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned” in Romans 8:1, but, I think the simple fact that I’m willing to come here and just say that I royally screwed up is sufficient. 🙂
Today is a new day. While consequences may linger today, but His mercies are new (Lam 2:22-23). My resolve is new. I’ve repented and turned and ready to fight again.
I can so relate to Paul.
Romans 7:14-25 (MSG) emphasis mine
14-16I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
17-20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21-23It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Ready to fight the good fight with me today (1 Timothy 6:12)? Did you fail yesterday? In the last hour? Just now? Guess what! He’s there to help, remember He set us right, and will continue to do so until we’re with Him in Heaven. There’s such hope in that! Get up! Let’s do this!!
Bragging on the Lord 