You are blessed beyond measure! How? It has nothing to do with the comforts in your life or the lack of them. Simply put, you are blessed by Jesus. Jesus coming to earth set the stage for God to redefine what the world deems important. Jesus leaving the earth on a cross redefined hostility brought on by sin. Through Christ, any person willing to see their sins in light of God’s love and grace, turn to God and repent of their sins, and follow obediently by the Holy Spirit has left hostile territory and now abides in the presence of the Lord Almighty.
Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin. So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There, we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it the most.”
There is no other way for God to save people from the perils of sin than to give of Himself.
Since God has made a way to Himself, every believer has full access to His treasury. We have everything at our disposal to live out the abundant life while living in the muck and the mire of this sinful world. We can live with satisfaction and contentment if we live for an audience of just one, Jesus Christ. Because of God’s presence within, we are able to render any and all sin dead as we rise up spiritually alive!
Yet, it is a daily struggle to live to our full potential. Every believer faces roadblock after roadblock. Whether the forces of evil that are unashamedly present or the beckoning of self-will, you and I face pits, trials, nemeses, and powers that kill, destroy, divide, distract, ruin, and/or keep at a distance anything that God has for us.
Every believer must fight for their right to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ!
What are ways that either Satan or yourself hinder God from shining through you? If you don’t acknowledge and see the dark side of your sins, God cannot bring you over into His glory and presence. You will remain desiring this world and living after what you want more than what God wants for you.
One way that a believer keeps his Savior and Lord at a distance is the experience they had with their earthly father. It is hard to trust your heavenly Father when you had an imperfect earthly one. Whether you had a wonderful dad or not so wonderful one, when you go to God the Father, you will experience the most perfect relationship ever! Jesus Christ embraces every repentant, seeking, hopeful person with all the love of heaven no matter how tarnished or bruised you are.
“Why does God love me? Because I am His. It is simple as that!” (Pastor Jason, Friendship Church, 10.8.23)
Romans 8:1-17 offers a way to deter roadblocks from setting up in the first place. Here are a few phrases that helps keep you abiding in Christ: “The power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin.”2 “In (Jesus’) body, God declared an end to sin’s control over us.”3 “Follow the Spirit.”4 “Those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”5 “Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”6 “You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.”12
A letting go of yourself must take place for any and all roadblocks to come down. A posture of surrendered humility becomes present in the life of every true believer. The road that leads to heaven’s door where a hopeful heart receives their salvation takes place only when a true believer allows God to destroy any and all roadblocks that hinder his sanctification process. God desires to see every person make it home to Him.
Fight every day for your faith. Wrangle up any and all sins that trip you up. Be willing to let go of anything that makes your eyes wander away from Christ. Just get rid of what holds you down, and live the abundant life that God has called you to.
Carol J German 