Some people look at a doughnut and see something to eat and enjoy. Others look at the doughnut and see only the hole. I was one of the "see the hole" types. I was like Jeremiah, cursing the day that I was born.
I was born again 50 years ago. Like you, I struggled a lot. All I could see was my imperfections and faults. The problem was that I was looking in the wrong place. When I began to see (with a great deal of help) that I was looking at the old, dead "me" the light began to dawn. One day, it finally clicked. Jesus died for my sin but He also died for me, the sinner. I am crucified with Christ, the Bible says. I did not feel dead and I did not act like I was dead. Why? Because I thought that there was something I had to do to make it real. In reality, there is nothing I can do. Jesus died and rose again 2,000 years ago. I can do nothing to make it real and nothing I do can undo the death and resurrection of Christ. And that applies to me also. God puts us into Christ. It is of Him that we are in Christ Jesus.
My advice is to ask God to open your eyes that you may see that what I am saying is true. It is possible to study the Bible, read lots of books and yet it remains all theory. Satan will always steer you towards looking at yourself. He seeks to fill us with doubt and unbelief. Remember what he said to Adam? "Did God say.....?" We may get thoughts like, "I'm not good enough" or "It applies to so and so but not to me." We are too inclined to go by feelings. We must stand on God's word no matter what. The truth sets us free.
It works. I've never had such peace. In the last 6 years, I've had 3 serious illnesses, one near fatal. I have been at peace in all those times.
We hear a lot about being relieved of the burden of sin. That's great and I treasure the forgiveness that Jesus bought for me with His precious blood. We hear less about being relieved of the burden of self. If only Christians knew this great truth. Most of our worry and stress would be gone. We could get on with being the people that God intends us to be.
I was born again 50 years ago. Like you, I struggled a lot. All I could see was my imperfections and faults. The problem was that I was looking in the wrong place. When I began to see (with a great deal of help) that I was looking at the old, dead "me" the light began to dawn. One day, it finally clicked. Jesus died for my sin but He also died for me, the sinner. I am crucified with Christ, the Bible says. I did not feel dead and I did not act like I was dead. Why? Because I thought that there was something I had to do to make it real. In reality, there is nothing I can do. Jesus died and rose again 2,000 years ago. I can do nothing to make it real and nothing I do can undo the death and resurrection of Christ. And that applies to me also. God puts us into Christ. It is of Him that we are in Christ Jesus.
My advice is to ask God to open your eyes that you may see that what I am saying is true. It is possible to study the Bible, read lots of books and yet it remains all theory. Satan will always steer you towards looking at yourself. He seeks to fill us with doubt and unbelief. Remember what he said to Adam? "Did God say.....?" We may get thoughts like, "I'm not good enough" or "It applies to so and so but not to me." We are too inclined to go by feelings. We must stand on God's word no matter what. The truth sets us free.
It works. I've never had such peace. In the last 6 years, I've had 3 serious illnesses, one near fatal. I have been at peace in all those times.
We hear a lot about being relieved of the burden of sin. That's great and I treasure the forgiveness that Jesus bought for me with His precious blood. We hear less about being relieved of the burden of self. If only Christians knew this great truth. Most of our worry and stress would be gone. We could get on with being the people that God intends us to be.
Wise words. I'm blessed and encouraged. Thank you