Our battered armor and scarred countenances will render our victory more illustrious above, when we are welcomed to the seats of those who have overcome the world. We should not have full fellowship with Christ if we didn't for ahile sojourn below, for He was baptized with a baptism of suffering among humankind, and we must be baptized with the same if we would share His kingdom. -Spurgeon
It's never enjoyable when the reality of your sin hits you in the face. Sin is literally crouching at every corner and desires to overcome you. This cycle can be frustrating because most of the time it's sins we've seen before in our lives. You'd think we would learn our lesson the first time around, and if not atleast by the 10th. However, one thing I've noticed in my sanctification is that I am quicker to realize and see these sins in my life.
One of these for me is relying on my own strength rather than trusting and leaning on Jesus. Of course my strength never lasts on its own and I usually end up failing at some point. This usually starts off with a simple and good desire to do well in something, whether it be with my job or sticking to my weekly plans. Then slowly but surely, when my focus is slightly off of Christ, sin knocks at the door and says "Look how well you're doing, Katie". A little can go a long way and before I know it, something goes wrong. Instead of my heart running to Christ, I simply throw my hands in the air and wonder how I got here. And yet the funny thing is, I made all of those decisions along the way to get myself there. There were no surprises. In my heart, I chose to believe I didn't need any help and that I was strong on my own. Because even when I am trusting in Christ, things still go wrong; my circumstances aren't always pleasant. However because my heart and mind are filled with the Spirit, I'm not surprised by these events, but prepared for them. I can face them with a confidence that isn't rooted in myself but in Christ. And I always find a sweeter joy awaiting me at the end.
Psalm 73:25-26 has always been one of my favorite verses. Verse 26 says this,"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Praise the Lord I don't have to rely on my own strength, for this would be a miserable world to live in. Praise the Lord He chose to love us with an immeasurable love and desires for us to be with Him in glory. He has OVERCOME sin for us that we no longer have to. Though this fight for joy is hard, it is relevant and purposeful to our baptism in Jesus. I am thankful for a Savior that didn't just desire to save us from our sins, but desires to have FULL and wonderful fellowship with us through the wonders of His redeeming love despite our unworthiness.
