15 Mar Will I Ever Get This Right?

A few years ago, I was part of an informal gathering of men when a friend of mine shared that he was struggling with lustful thoughts. He was frustrated because, as he said, “I didn’t think I’d be dealing with that one at my age. I’m 74!” I joked back: “Wouldn’t it be great if we outgrew all sin? But, as they say, what goes around comes around.

Recently, I’ve been very frustrated with myself. There are things I truly believe I have surrendered to God, yet, like my friend, I find myself wrestling with them. God recently showed me several verses that have greatly encouraged me in this area. If you’re facing similar struggles, I pray this will encourage you too.

First, when we struggle with things like this, we’re in good company. Here’s the Apostle Paul writing in Romans 7:

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:15-20  (ESV)

Some commentators have tried to claim that Paul is referring to a time before he surrendered to Christ. They don’t seem to want to accept the possibility that Paul, the greatest spreader of the gospel in the ancient world, had the same struggles with sin that we do. It’s tempting to believe that Paul got it completely right in this world because we tell ourselves that means we can. Paul couldn’t then and we can’t now. This should be a great source of encouragement, not discouragement. Why? Paul answers this question in 2 Corinthians 12:

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Now, Paul is addressing trials and hardships here. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch though, to apply it to the topic at hand. God knows we won’t be perfect on this side of heaven, so his grace covers us. There is a key though to not getting discouraged when you don’t get it right:

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,  for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 (ESV)

The first passage tells us that surrender isn’t a one-time thing. Yes, we give our lives to Christ when we say yes to Him and we are saved. However, that commitment must be renewed each morning if we are to succeed in the fight Paul was fighting in Romans 7.

Psalm 143 reminds us that once we surrender, we can listen for direction from God. He will always lead us on the right paths.

Whatever fight you feel as though you are losing today, give it to God. No, you won’t ever get it right on your own. What a blessing to realize that we don’t have to!

Pastor Jerry Bader