For Lasting Change – We Need God’s Power

I was reading in the Book of Romans yesterday and was surprised by the words written by the Apostle Paul. I stopped in my tracks when I read about his problem with sin. WHAT? How could that be coming from one who wrote about our abilities to conquer whatever is conquering over us. Honestly, I have probably read the words – but my brain must not have been engaged!

Romans 7:21-25 – “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

I can relate because I know that I am often my own worst enemy. My own reactions, fears and inadequacies can sure cause me to act in some foolish ways. I need to be saved from myself because there are things, I don’t like about me — things I wish I had done differently, words that I said that I would like to reel back in….BUT, too late! I said them! Ugh! Now I can’t change them, at least not in my own power. I need an outside power source.

And, thanks be to God – Paul, 2,000 years ago showed us THE Power Source. I like how The Message Bible translates Romans 7:24-25 “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.” Yay! That was the answer for Paul and for you and me!

We all may be looking for that one thing that helps us with choosing right over wrong and that will give us fulfillment and meaning and peace in life. But if we’re not looking to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith (AND us, for that matter), we are looking in all the wrong places, and that’s why we are frustrated.

Some of us think that if we could win the lottery, or get married, or get a specific job or a promotion, or attain a certain level of wealth, or go on that dream vacation, or have a baby, things would be better. A lot of people are looking for their answers in a self-help book, therapy, a fad, a diet, or a vacation.

But that’s looking in the wrong places. The answer is not in our circumstances. It’s not in a place or a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. We were made by God and for God, and until we understand and accept that, life is never going to make sense. AND, the answers to the questions will be just plain null and void.

Think about it. THE ANSWER to everything about everything is only found when we place our complete trust and dependence upon Jesus – giving control of our lives to God. Let’s take that step toward He Who was Paul’s answer and all those faith-filled, strong, and mighty warriors of the cross of Jesus have been through to all of us today! I’m all in – how about you?