That is the lie I had been subtly telling myself for years...It’s the lie that whispers “you have to to be better, perform more, or achieve in order to receive all the gifts and benefits that come from God”.
Paul comes to the church in Corinth who were believing but unruly people. ..repeat, they were UNRULY [disorderly, unmanageable. unrestrained, difficult] …And yet he starts with this,
“MAY ALL THE GIFTS AND BENEFITS THAT COME FROM GOD OUR FATHER, AND THE MASTER “ JESUS CHRIST” BE YOURS”
(1 Corinthian 1:3)
Then Paul continues,
“EVERY TIME I THINK OF YOU (AND I THINK OF YOU OFTEN) I THANK GOD FOR YOUR LIVES OF FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO GOD, GIVEN BY JESUS”
I didn’t earn God’s Grace by my behavior when I was completely lost and unbelieving...I had to receive it.
Similarly...I can’t earn His Favor, His Love, His Redeeming Power and His Affection for me...I have to receive it.
The biggest stumbling block in my walk with Christ is my own self effort...and here is what Jesus says, ( Matthew 16: 24-26 msg. )
“Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all”
The truth was I didn’t trust Him… I didn’t trust that if I stopped trying so hard that He would be there to carry me through…
JESUS SAYS,
“I WILL COMPLETE THE WORK THAT I STARTED IN YOU”
(Philippians 1:6)
“ I am the true vine and my FATHER IS THE GARDENER”
(John 15:1)
I encourage you to get off the struggle bus and invite God in to minister to your heart...He is the only one who truly knows what you need and how to deliver it so you will receive it
Comments