I know God is strong, much stronger than me in every way. I also know, though, that He expects me to do some things on my own. Which is which?
One part I understand--God is in charge of the impossible. He will absolutely do what I cannot. In fact, He has already done this.
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.--Romans 5:8
While I wasn't paying attention, God saved me. He did the hard part, the otherwise impossible part. Having done that, He turned my head to face Him. Now, together we can do the easier part, the job of changing me.
If, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life?--Romans 5:10
In effecting salvation, God gave me life, Spirit, and a promise for the future. Will He now drop me on my head if I find myself too weak to complete the job? Of course not.
I must flex my muscle, as far as my strength allows, to accomplish my job in Christ. But what is that job?
Simply put, my job in Him is to be holy.
Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.--1Peter 1:15
Can I accomplish holiness because I am strong or smart? No, but I can do it because Christ's power lives in me. As I do everything I can, He continues to do the impossible, right beside me, the end already in hand, His glory at my fingertips.
Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.--Ephesians 1:3
Sounds like you've been rattling around in my head. I always struggle with the line between what "I've got" and what I give to God. Recently, I told my mom, I'm tired if trying to figure it out. I'm going to hide myself in Him, and not come out. What that meant for me was learning to do nothing, but wait, for the still small voice, the push to act, the urge to speak. For me, it is a lesson in faith. I'm trying. Thank you for a powerful reminder...we are make strong in our weakness.
ReplyDeletePeace and good to you.
Absolutely. Hiding and Him and not coming out. That's the whole point of all this, the weakness, the rescue, the learning all leads to loving and worshiping Him. There is no where else to rest.
Deletecan i ever be holy by my own strength...no...and in tht there is humbling...i think we do have a role though in daily working out that salvation as we live it out in our lives and others...
ReplyDeleteWe we do have to work out our own salvation, but the salvation we are working out He has bought without our help, and now He bears up the other side of the yoke while we pull it. So grateful.
DeleteYou honor Him well with your words in this place.
ReplyDeleteHis power is made perfect in our weakness. Great post!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
love to see the thought process. the wrestle with being strong, yet, lead.
ReplyDeleteI think often of a definition of 'meekness' I once heard...strength under control. It acknowledges God's superiority in all emotions and circumstances. Still like that.
Deletei have been learning this too lately friend. so good to know i'm not alone. bless you. e.
ReplyDeleteHis strength and glory--right there waiting. So blessed to be offered it because in my own strength I cannot...with His I can!
ReplyDelete