From time to time the hard, and at times unforgiving and unfair realities of life, come crashing in on everyday people like you and me. This “crashing in” reminds me of the following realities:
- People need Christ,
- You need Christ,
- I need Christ.
These relational challenges spill over into, what seems to be, a never-ending parade of conflict and turmoil. Brokenness and disconnect seem to be everywhere.
Left to our own devices, we are so lost and incapable of saving ourselves. We are limited in freeing ourselves from the compulsions of our flesh and our drives as we desperately attempt to have our lives make sense.
This morning as I write these words I am reflecting on:
- Families in conflict,
- Those close to us with unexpected, unwanted, debilitating health challenges,
- Those facing legal action due to unresolved conflicts,
- People we gripped in the clutches of depression and anxiety.
- Others undergoing unplanned, significant adjustments as they reconfigure their lives in order to care for extended family.
- The list goes on and on and on……
Jesus clearly reminds you and me about how we are to view our lives in the context of the world in which we live. He pulls no punches, makes no excuses for the challenges you and I face. He was clear that life would be difficult. It would be filled with challenge and trouble.
Our flesh craves easy – He brings ease!
We crave no trouble – He brings hope in the midst of trouble!
Jesus offers everyday people with the most amazing gift EVER….His peace, His capacity to “take heart” right here, right now, in the midst of the very trouble you and I may be facing.
Do you believe it? Do you believe Him?
Paul lays it out quite clearly for us at the end of Romans 7 as he reflects on our feeble attempts to figure life out on our own…
Paul’s question in verse 24 is the our question as we feel the weight and pressure of leading ourselves, our businesses, our families and our communities well.
Who will free you – free me from this life dominated by sin and death?
Is not our answer to be the same as Paul’s? What is your response as your consider your troubles?
“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord”.
A song by the group “Third Day” reminds us of taking heart, of re-engaging Christ again as if you and I were “born again”, and again….. Click on the image below and enjoy.
My invitation to you is this… in the midst of whatever trouble you may be facing, choose to take heart. Choose to allow Christ to refresh and revive your soul. Choose to “be born again” in the newness and beauty of Christ being there for you today.
A Maverick Application:
- Read and reflect on Romans 7:21-25.
- What’s your response?
- Pray and ask God to help you grow respond more and more with a “Thank God, for Jesus, who rescues you from this life that is dominated by sin and death.”
