HOPE FOR THE STRUGGLER

HOPE FOR THE STRUGGLER

I'm reading a daily devotional book called "Stand Firm Day by Day: Let Nothing Move You: A Men's Devotional" by Walk Thru the Bible. Each morning it gives a Scripture and a short commentary and application on the verse. Monday morning's verse is/was: 

 “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Romans 7:8

The Apostle Paul is writing about the struggle of the heart for those who are following Jesus. Paul had been following Christ for a couple of decades when he wrote this. He was being used of God in mighty ways: missionary, evangelist, church-planter, pastor, disciple-maker, and writer of Scripture. In spite of all of his successes,  he was still battling the flesh, and sometimes the flesh won. 

Paul is amazingly transparent here: though he desires to do what is right, his sinful nature still fights against him. It’s a reminder that even the most faithful are not immune the struggle. Paul’s words are about the conflict between wanting to live a holy life and falling short again and again. And for us "ordinary folk" who are trying to follow Jesus, it’s usually not that we aren't trying to live godly lives, it’s that, in our own strength, we simply cannot overcome sin. 

This realization shouldn't lead to despair but rather dependence on God. God never asked us to be perfect in ourselves. Instead, He offers us the power of the Holy Spirit to live differently. At the end of the chapter, Paul says, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom 7:24-25) 

And He will deliver us as well. 

Are you tired from trying to do what’s right and continually falling short? Lean on God’s grace and strength to bring you through the battle and walk in victory over not only the flesh, but the enemy also. Look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith, and your will experience the victory in your struggles.