In this world, we have no assurance of how our life will turn out. Our goals and plans face unimagined difficulties that arise without warning. Once we trust in Christ for salvation, He helps us to rise above our failings, unbelief, and doubts (Mark 9:24). He fills us with His faith because He abides within us (Galatians 2:20).
At times, we doubt God’s love for us, so we entertain depression over our unanswered prayers, not realizing that God does answer them either with “No, this is not good for you and my grace is sufficient for you in this area,” or “Wait for My timing which is always perfect,” or “Yes, My plans for your current issues include these desires.”
If we continue to adopt the identity of a sinner, we are easily tempted to sin some more. Our mind is plagued with shame heaped onto our soul by demonic lies. However, our initial time of conviction, repentance, and conversion by our prayer for Jesus to save us, covers all our sins – past, present and future.
This does not give us a license to sin again in any present and future circumstances, but it does cleanse us from the bondage to sin (Romans 6:2, 8:13; Galatians 5:1). Then, we are free to worship Jesus for His place in freeing us, and for giving us His Spirit to comfort, guide, and inspire us to walk in the will of God for us (John 8:36, 14:26).
Prayer:
Father God, You teach us that our true identity is in Christ alone. You have a solution for every sin that tempts us, and You give us an avenue to escape each one - rather than for us to fall into sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). Remind us that the initial temptation comes from the devil, and it is only when we entertain any desires or thoughts about yielding to that temptation that we risk crossing the line into sin.
We find rest for our weary soul under the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 91). When we fail You by walking out from under the security of Your protective laws and guidelines for our life, You keep us by Your grace and rescue us through Your mercy. Sanctify us until everything that we think, say, and do glorifies You and furthers Your Kingdom on the earth.
Thought for the Day:
God’s grace is always restorative or preventative: He keeps us on His straight and narrow road to redemption, so we do not wander onto the broad path that leads to destruction; His grace molds us until we reflect His Holy nature, and His grace gives us the wisdom and strength to function in His perfect will for us each moment of every day.
- Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 17:17
