[Not in your own strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13
Struggling with something? Feel like you just can't get that monkey off your back. You know, that sin you keep struggling with. Keep reaching for the heart of God. He’s helping along the way as we look to Him, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. We’re not perfect, never will be. I KNOW that God is pleased that we even want to try to do what’s right and what pleases Him.
Jesus went to the Cross and nailed sin to it so that we could ask for forgiveness for our sins. He bore the shame of guilt so we wouldn't have to. Stop beating yourself up and just do the best you can. If you're trying your best and others don't see changes in you, DON'T worry about it and DON'T let it stop you from trying to do what's right. If they care to know, they'll eventually see changes. DON'T get impatient, for we are changed from the inside out and it takes time for it to be seen in the natural realm.
God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation - he incurs no damnation]. John 3:17, 18
Keep stepping, keep walking in God’s grace.
We CAN'T do it on our own. We CAN'T follow all the letter of the 'law'. Allow Christ to live His life THROUGH you. That sure takes the pressure off of us, knowing that we can do things through Christ who gives us the strength. Philippians 4:13 says, I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Christ IN US really is the (only) hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
To know God's presence is to know God's power.
Father, give us grace and power to say no to things that are displeasing to You. Remind us to ask for a way out when we're being tempted with something (or someone) and help us to sit in Your presence and wait for the grace, power and strength to walk away from it. Love on us. Help us not to beat ourselves up when we mess up for there’s no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Help us to not give up. Thanks for all Your help Holy Spirit in helping us to make right, godly choices and for teaching us in the ways of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
related blogs of mine: In Times of Weakness
God's at Work
Can YOU Just Say No (contains part of my testimony)