In review of Romans 7:24 it says, “I’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?” (Romans 7:24 MSG)
Bottom Line:
I’ve tried so much and nothing helps, I’m in terrible shape, the end of my rope. Who can free me from a life dominated by sin.
What this means to me:
There is not much I can do on my own effort. On my own, I’m in terrible shape. There is only one person who can do something to rescue me from this nature that is subject to death.
I can be my own worst enemy. My reactions, fears, and inadequacies cause me to act in foolish ways. I need to be saved from myself. There are things I don’t like about myself, wish I had done differently, or would like to change. It’s hard for me to change these on my own, at least not on my own power. I need help.
As much as I’d like to, it's hard to change on my own strength. Often my life feels like it’s out of control. What I need is God’s power. I need a Savior, someone who can make the changes I can’t make myself.
From what I can see in scriptures, Paul felt that way also. He says: “I’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? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does” (Romans 7:24-25 MSG). And that’s the answer!
You may be looking for that one thing that’s going to give you fulfillment and meaning and peace in life. But if you’re not looking to Jesus for salvation, then you’re looking in all the wrong places, and that’s why you’re frustrated.
I find that sometimes I think that if I could just accomplish the next thing, everything would be great or fall into place. I think I’ve even looked for relief and salvation in a self-help book, therapy, a fad, a diet, or a vacation. What I’m learning is that if I look to these things, I’m looking in the wrong place.
The answer will not in my circumstances. It will not be in a place, a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. I was made by God and for God, and until I let this sink in, life is never going to make sense.
In summary, there is not much I can do on my own effort. On my own, I’m in terrible shape. There is only one person who can do something to rescue me from this nature that is subject to death. I have tried many things on my own, but nothing can really help. While there are times when I feel helpless to be able to change, I just need to remember that the answer is not in myself but in Christ. Thank you God for caring about me deeply enough to bring me into your family, a chosen and adopted work of art. It's a real habit for me to do things on my own. However I need to remember that I no longer need to try to change myself on my own power. I can look to Jesus Christ my Lord to help me with anything that I struggle with. Jesus came and offered his life as the atoning sacrifice for my sins and wrongdoings. Jesus has freed me from this life that is dominated by sin and death. Instead of trying not to sin, I can live out the new nature God gives me through Christ as part of his family. Today I am going to consider what other steps I need to take in order to give control of my life to God. With the way that I am, I believe I’m going to need to turn over control of my life on a daily basis.
0 comments:
Post a Comment