A Challenge

When I struggle with an area of sin, looking at God's word helps me to realize that I am not the only one who struggles with this. That being said, I know that some of you must struggle with discontent and complaining like I do. Here is a challenge. Wait a few seconds before you say anything, and if a complaint was about to come out of your mouth, turn it into a word of praise. I am going to try this. It may feel unnatural at first, but I have a feeling it will be rewarding. The Bible says we will be judged for each word we speak, why not replace complaining with praising the Lord?

Faith Like a Child

I have enjoyed being with my family more this past week, since I am on summer break. Even though I lived at home throughout the school year, I would not see my younger siblings as much because they would be almost ready for bed when I got home. I was surprised to see how much my five-year-old sister, Daphne, had matured.

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking Daphne on some errands. We were supposed to go to Walmart, but being the directionally-challenged person that I am, I got lost. (A word of advice: don't get directions from a five-year-old, as smart as he or she may be). I finally found my way back to church, and decided to take Daphne to Chickfila. She played for a little while and she got a balloon. She was all smiles when we went back to church. It was such a special time!

I was making my bed this morning, when she came in a smiled at me. "Did you know that yesterday was the best day of my life?" She said. "Actually it was the second best day," she continued. "The best day will be the day I die." I was blown away. I did not expect to hear that coming from Daphne's mouth. "Why?" I asked her. "Because that will be the day I got to Heaven and see Jesus. Don't cry or be sad when I die, Jenny. You'll see me soon. I love you!" Daphne then skipped off to play.

I sat on my bed and marveled at her faith. She knows with all of her heart that she will be with Jesus when she dies. I am so thankful that my Daphne loves Jesus so much. Her faith has really inspired me, even if she is only five.
 

It Keeps Happening

The moment I apologize for something, I start doing it again. When I make goals, I break them. Why do my wants and actions not line up? What I am doing drives me crazy!

I realize that I cannot do anything on my own. I cannot speak kindly, be patient in trial, or mortify my flesh alone. I definitely feel Satan's attack on me right now. Tomorrow is my piano proficiency exam. I keep repeating this mantra: if I get nervous, I won't play well; if I don't play well, I will not pass, which means I'll have to take piano again. After that come my numerous exams. Try as I might, I cannot stop being nervous. "Cast your cares on the Lord." I keep telling myself. Can I live it out? No. What is wrong with me?


Romans 7:15-25 speaks to this problem.
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

So it is Jesus who rescues me from the ruts I am in. The struggle inside myself is not all encompassing, and I need not be consumed by it. Praise the Lord!