I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15
Do you ever have those days, or even weeks (or months!) like Paul in the verses above where you just can’t wait for the day to end so you can start over, because not only have many things gone wrong, but because you also have struggled with “that sin” AGAIN, feel defeated, and are certain you are never going to change?
Today was one of those days for me. And the default of my heart, on those days, is to condemn and self-criticize…and then sin some more because, why not, I am already in the hole! Such wrong thinking!! Sure, we SHOULD feel a certain measure of guilt when we sin (after all we have hurt the heart of God, the one who loves us no matter what). But we also need to remember, especially on THOSE days, that whether we have a “good” or “bad” day (however you define those for yourself) that we need God’s grace every moment of every day…that is the point of the cross!
Jesus didn’t die for us only on the days we “really” blow it. He died for us on even the “best” of days, because we still fall short on those good days. The point is this: when we know Jesus, God’s grace (loving us and treating us with favor no matter what) is sufficient for every moment of every day. I just need to remind my heart and my mind of that truth.
How many times will I struggle with THAT sin and continue to do things I don’t want to do? I don’t know, but I DO know that God is faithful and He will provide whatever I need to resist the temptation going forward as well as the grace and mercy if/when I do fail…as far as the east is from the west. No, He doesn’t have amnesia about my sin, but the Bible says He no longer holds it against me because Jesus has paid for it. Rest, O weary soul now in the sweet, amazing, sufficient grace of God for every moment of every day.
Lord, thank you that because Jesus has been prefect for me I can seek to honor and obey you in the freedom that I need your mercy and grace every moment of every day. Help me to enjoy the gift of your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Nov 28, 2013 by Sandi
Share
How Many Do-Overs Do I Get Lord?
Do you ever have those days, or even weeks (or months!) like Paul in the verses above where you just can’t wait for the day to end so you can start over, because not only have many things gone wrong, but because you also have struggled with “that sin” AGAIN, feel defeated, and are certain you are never going to change?
Today was one of those days for me. And the default of my heart, on those days, is to condemn and self-criticize…and then sin some more because, why not, I am already in the hole! Such wrong thinking!! Sure, we SHOULD feel a certain measure of guilt when we sin (after all we have hurt the heart of God, the one who loves us no matter what). But we also need to remember, especially on THOSE days, that whether we have a “good” or “bad” day (however you define those for yourself) that we need God’s grace every moment of every day…that is the point of the cross!
Jesus didn’t die for us only on the days we “really” blow it. He died for us on even the “best” of days, because we still fall short on those good days. The point is this: when we know Jesus, God’s grace (loving us and treating us with favor no matter what) is sufficient for every moment of every day. I just need to remind my heart and my mind of that truth.
How many times will I struggle with THAT sin and continue to do things I don’t want to do? I don’t know, but I DO know that God is faithful and He will provide whatever I need to resist the temptation going forward as well as the grace and mercy if/when I do fail…as far as the east is from the west. No, He doesn’t have amnesia about my sin, but the Bible says He no longer holds it against me because Jesus has paid for it. Rest, O weary soul now in the sweet, amazing, sufficient grace of God for every moment of every day.
Lord, thank you that because Jesus has been prefect for me I can seek to honor and obey you in the freedom that I need your mercy and grace every moment of every day. Help me to enjoy the gift of your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.