Let me tell you about myself.
I'm a writer who forgets to write. I'm a blogger who posts a day late. I'm a friend who forgets to pray and respond to emails. I'm a sister who forgets to love and encourage my siblings. And I'm a Christian who often feels distant, distracted, and discouraged.
That's the real me behind this blog. I don't take perfect pictures or write flawless first drafts. I don't pray without ceasing or live in constant unity with God. I wish I did.
Last week I had the chance to share a verse with a struggling friend, and yesterday God turned it around to gaze straight in my face.
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
The problem isn't what I don't have. What really matters is that through Christ, I do have everything I need for life and godliness. Try to tell me that's not amazing.
Life: Through Christ, I can have joy no matter what comes my way. I can love those around me despite their (and my) flaws. I can exhibit the fruit of the spirit. I can persevere and be faithful in what is good and turn away from what is evil or distracting.
Godliness: Through Christ, I can abide in His presence and live with a heart of worship. I can share my faith because His love overwhelms me. I can be diligent in His Word, pray throughout the day, and lift His name to everyone around me.
I have everything I need. Through Jesus.
When I was little, I learned this truth in a practical way that I try not to remember too often. I faced the daunting task of washing an oatmeal pot. Large families use big pots, and the oats were stuck to the side. I cried. It was impossible. If I couldn't wash it in 10 minutes, how could I ever do it?
But afterwards, Mom took an embarrassing picture of me holding the same pot, now shining bright and clean. My cheeks were stained from tears, but I learned the truth in Philippians.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Don't miss the words at the end. Through Christ. It's all because of Him. In and of myself, I can do nothing. But through Christ, I can do all things.
Sometimes that means being joyful in the little moments. Just now, I had the opportunity to pause and smile with my little sister as she stuck a pretend pig snout on her nose, then her head, then the hammock, and then on my own face. Each moment counts; when we live them in His power and with His heavenly perspective, life becomes all the sweeter. (this post was a sweet reminder to me this week.)
Instead of living a discouraged, half-lived life, I want to remember that I have everything I need for life and godliness. I can do all things through Christ. Let's not forget that.
I realize I shared most of this in my last post, but it's a constant reminder for me. Being a Christian is a decision - a decision to live with and for Jesus Christ. That's the best life we could live.
~♥~
Wow Hosanna, thanks for this post. This is me too - I have aspirations, but I'm imperfect and I fail regularly. But that verse is so encouraging. God is incredible, and really, I can't say it better than your title. He is everything, and all I need is more Him and less me. Thanks for being honest and continually pointing back to Him. :) xx
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Jessica! God is incredible. It's crazy to think that He's given us everything we need for life and godliness. Everything! But why doesn't that show in our daily lives?
DeleteI've been learning the importance of living each moment for Him, and a verse in Romans stood out to me, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit...to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6). It's so hard to be eternally focused on Jesus and live solely for Him, but He's all we need. Thanks for sharing your heart, Jess. ♥
Hey Hosanna, to the first part of your post, you aren’t alone. I mess up constantly and am imperfect... we are all imperfect. But God is perfect and we can do things through Him, like you said.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing this post, it’s encouraging. Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:36), we just need the faith the size of a mustard seed. Yes on our own we’re weak, and we fail constantly, yet He gives us His strength to lean on.
Psalm 119:116, “Sustain me as You promised and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope.”
That's a beautiful verse, Sarah! God really is our sustainer; our job is to ask. We need to be like the psalmist in begging God for strength so that we can live for His glory. "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge" (Psalm 91:4). ♥
DeleteThank you for the encouragement. =) We're imperfect, but God loves us. And that's enough.
Wow this is such an awesome post. Such a huge encouragement to me! What a great reminder that God gives us the strength to do what He calls us to do. Thank you, friend! <3
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for stopping by to leave a sweet comment, Ashley! God's always there for us when we seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). I'm glad He was able to use my words to being a little bit of sunshine into your day. ♥
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