"Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case-things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
-Hebrews 6: 9-10

He Isn't Done Yet

Do you ever feel as though you are in a rut? A losing streak? Sometimes it feels as though I just can't be the man that God has created me to be. I try. I want to be all that He has made me to be but there are periods when my struggles with my own weaknesses, or sin, sends me 'reeling.' Perhaps some of you know what I mean? But our God is an amazing God. Just when it seems that we might be losing the battle, His Word reminds us that He isn't done with us yet. "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord, Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1: 18) For those who humble themselves before the Lord and seek His mercy will find forgiveness and the strength to carry on. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." (Lamentations 3:22)

Sin is a part of us. Something that we all struggle with. "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,..." (Romans 3: 23). Living in each of us is the sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. Romans chapter 7 gives a detailed account of our struggle with sin. How many of you can identify with the verse found in Romans 7: 15? "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not, but what I hate I do." It is a struggle that is common to all of us, so never feel as if you are alone. And if your faith is in the Lord you will not stay down when you fall. "...for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." (Proverbs 24: 16) In the midst of times of struggle, is your faith in the Lord?

Listen to these encouraging words from the book of Isaiah. "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43: 25) God is not keeping track of our failures. He doesn't have a notebook to record every time that we have stumbled. When we confess our sins to Him and ask for His grace, He is always faithful and gives it to us. Our savior, Jesus, knows us and loves us. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4: 15-16). Are you in a rut? Have you stumbled or fallen? Then go to the Lord with your struggles. Pray to Him for forgiveness and the strength to carry on. He will not let you down. "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." (Romans 8: 20-21). God is doing a great work within you. No matter what your circumstances are, even if you have stumbled, always remember that He isn't done with you yet. Amen!

Take a moment and encourage someone this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 1: 6

Back