Faith is a Mighty Grace

 

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2: 20

The other day I was with friends when another friend joined us to share how God was working in her son’s life. “I blurted out it’s an answer to prayer!” Privately those words would have been more appropriate, but in a group setting I revealed a very personal prayer request which was confidential. I felt a sense of conviction, and guilt. My short-comings! From quick impulses to blunders! So many struggles in this life! Yet, God does not give up on us but is patient and long-suffering with us. Our flaws, weaknesses and infirmities He bears upon His shoulders, then, He uses them to work together to refine us, so we would shine as gold. Our weaknesses are a clear proof of Jesus’ strength in us – for it is He who is at work reproving those temperaments for His glory. I thank the Lord for working on the inside of me for it reveals in my outward confession of faith. May my outward professions always be genuine, as the Lord fashions me for Himself. He is shaping my character…patiently chipping off those unbecoming inclinations that are not in line with His holiness. It seems to me, there is no other way except through pain, failure and mishaps.

We, through the cooperation with the Holy Spirit, submit to the work He is doing on our pride, and selfishness. Like a gardener He hoes, cultivates, waters and plucks out the weeds. Then He brings growth. Breaking down self-will, dying to our old ways, and our sinful lifestyle is difficult it requires us to join together with the Lord. We must leave behind those uncomfortable, bad habits to forge ahead with Christ. We live in Christ – “for it is no longer I who lives.” You are alive in Christ – Jesus lives in you and you live for Him! He is the conduit of power to overcome that which you cannot overcome on your own. Faith is the mighty grace whereby we can cut through sin by the blood of Jesus. Boldly, we come to the throne praying for repentance, and to obtain forgiveness. In peace we can know God holds those sins no longer against us, for they are as far as the east from the west.

God designed His plan so long ago – Jesus would come to wipe away our sins, forever! What He has accomplished is marvelous! He also replaces those sins with His goodness, moving us closer inch by inch into His holiness, for the praise of His glory. May our deepest desire be that we would become like our Master and Savior. Pure and holy!

We are in are training learning through life’s experience. Let’s seek to please the Lord and avoid anything that prevents us from doing the will of the Father.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Amen. Psalm 51:10