Blog – 4-10-19 Today I read Romans 8 in the Message and words literally jumped off the page at me. I grabbed my phone and put in four song ideas as I made my way through the chapter. It’s a powerful letter written by Paul, and I would encourage you to sit down and read through the whole chapter. In the previous chapter, Romans 7, Paul wrote about a battle that raged inside him and one that rages inside all of us as well. We start our day thinking we are going to “get it right” today, we are going to speak only words of love and hope, but then we have a flat tire on the way to work or our spouse is in a really bad mood and snaps at us. We haven’t even gotten to the office and we’re already off course. Or maybe we lay down a hurt that has haunted us for years and promise that today is the day we are going to practice forgiveness, but then we see a picture on Facebook of the person who has hurt us having a great time in an exotic place and anger and revenge instantly well up inside us. Here we go again! We want to do good, we want to change, we absolutely do, but our sinful nature keeps us from actually doing it. Or to put it more succinctly, doing it perfectly! When I read the following verse, it truly stopped me in my tracks: And now what the law code asked for but we couldn’t deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us. Romans 8:4 (MSG) We are not in this battle by ourselves, my friend! The Spirit is right there fighting with us and for us. God knew that we would never be able to uphold the law perfectly. He’s very familiar with our weaknesses and the inability inside of us to effect real, forever change. That’s why He choose to do the work for us through Jesus! We don’t have to redouble our own efforts, “try just a little harder,” and keep facing failure after failure. A loud, resounding NO! God invites us to simply embrace what the Spirit is already doing in us. Doesn’t that give you a huge sense of relief! I know it does me. The striving I’ve written about so many times is lessened as these sweet words wash over my soul, “Embrace it, Jill. Simply embrace what the Spirit is already doing in you.” I don’t have to change by myself. Honestly, there are certain things I will never be able to change about myself. And neither will you. None of us can change the fact that we will face a battle with sin in the deepest parts of our souls every single day until the day we go to heaven. We will always be drawn to those things we don’t want to do. Our human nature, our sinful nature, sabotages our very best intentions. Our self-will will not be silenced. The enemy is indeed within us….but the Spirit is there as well. And that’s incredibly Good News! The thing that brings renewed hope to my soul and makes my spirit leap for joy is knowing that I have a wingman on this journey of righteousness. The Spirit is fighting for me, and I simply need to acknowledge that and quit telling myself I have to uncover some magic formula in order to transform myself. I need to act, of course. I need to stay close to God. I need to drink in His Word and stay connected, but I can let go of thinking that I am responsible for the change itself. God will do that for me. He will do it for you too, my friend! Simply embrace what the Spirit is already doing inside of you. I pray you feel the freedom that is found in that truth today! Hugs and love, Jill
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