Completely Frustrated: Our Strength ... Or His?
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 7:24-25 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When we become a Christian, we are a new creation in Christ, but we still live in mortal bodies that remain in a fallen, sinful world. This places us in a continuing battle with sin. We will constantly be dominated by sin and frustrated if we try to fight the battle alone in our own strength. On the other hand, the Bible promises us in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. All things.
In Romans 7, the apostle Paul talks about his frustrations when he tried to do things on his own. Paul said he didn't understand his actions, he was not doing what he liked to do, and he was doing what he hated. He wanted to do right but couldn't - on his own. But he found the answer. Read today's scripture again. "The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."
Consider this …
What are you struggling with? Anger? Unforgiveness? Jealousy? Maybe pornography or infidelity. Perhaps you are not being the spouse or parent you know you should be. Or you may even be doing the right things for the wrong reasons. Or doing them to excess, neglecting your personal time with the Lord or quality time with your family.
We all struggle, sometimes more than others. The struggles vary, but the answer is always the same. "The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord."
Stop trying to live in your own strength. Learn to lean on Jesus. To let him guide and strengthen you. With him, you can do all things.
Prayer
Father, I am struggling to overcome this problem. I've been trying to do it on my own, and it's just not working. Help me to walk in faith, depending on Jesus. Give me the strength I need to overcome the temptations and struggles in my life. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from … Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.
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