Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.“
We are only a few days into the new year. How are you doing on your new goals? Are you reading something in your Bible every day? Are you eating better? Maybe you’ve started a new exercise routine? Whatever it is, how is it going?
No matter who we are, we usually slip in some area. Hopefully, it isn’t life threatening, but the invitation for that chocolate and caramel sundae inevitably comes the first day we start a new diet. The pain in our leg or back cranks up two days into a new exercise routine. We fall into bed exhausted and totally forget that we were going to start reading God’s word today. Somehow, no matter where we’re trying to “do better”, temptation always looms and challenges our resolve.
It happens to all of us, but the one thing that produces success over failure is persistence and, in my opinion, the one thing that helps us get up and start again is our knowledge of the character of God.
The God we know and learn about in scripture is good and kind and caring to His children. He has expectations for us but He also knows we will fail from time to time. He doesn’t yell and say “you should have done better” or “you’re weak and absolutely worthless”. He looks upon us in love, much like a loving father looks upon a child learning to walk, and says “that’s okay, let’s try that again.”.
The demeaning and hateful words we hear during failure come straight from the enemy. There is nothing he would like better than for us to give up. Those are not loving words. They are condemning words. As followers of Christ, we don’t belong to that voice. We hear a different voice and follow that one, the voice of God (John 10:27). He understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). He desires the best for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He loves us (John 3:16). Why would He do anything other than encourage us and help us to get up and try again (Hebrews 2:18)?
So next time you hear that voice telling you you’re beyond hope and just can’t do it, turn your ear to God and hear His encouragement. Remember His character. Understand that He wants success for you as much and even more than you want it for yourself. Accept His love and forgiveness, then receive His help and try again, for there is no condemnation coming from Him.
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