There are some things that I’m able to learn and apply somewhat quickly as I follow Christ, but then there are other things that really take time. What do you do when you seem to keep running into the same issues over and over?
Keep at it.
I love the Lord for many, many reasons- one of them being His ability to understand. He is so patient, so gracious, so understanding. Yes, He does judge our actions, convict us, and discipline us; but He walks us through a process- not expecting perfection from us overnight.
God understands why we do what we do.
I love the Lord because He is all-knowing, and though at times I struggle to understand why I do some of the things I do, He already knows. As I talk to Him and cry out to Him, He is so gracious to give me a bit of understanding into my own ways. This is life-changing, because sometimes we just need a little understanding in order to do better.
His understanding gives me the motivation I need to keep at it.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
– Philippians 1:6
This scripture set me free! I used to be so hard on myself, desiring perfection, unable to receive correction from the Lord without feeling feelings of shame, failure, and inadequacy until I got my hands on this. I read it over and over. It truly transformed my thinking.
Now, I understand that God is performing a good work in me that He will perform until the day Jesus Christ returns! That lets me know that there must be a lot of work to do! No more expecting perfection, shocked by conviction. Now, I walk in grace, for myself and others, expecting Christ to grow me up in Him in every way (Ephesians 4:15).
Every day is a part of that process. Keep at it.
This way of thinking is humbling, as it reminds us that there is only one perfect One- Jesus Christ. He is perfecting us, we just have to humble ourselves, work with Him, and allow Him to do what only He can do. The power is not of us, it is of Him. His power works through us.
“And he said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
– II Corinthians 12:9
Whatever your weakness is, know that His grace is sufficient. Know that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Know that He will never leave us nor forsake us. If God be for us, what can be against us?
What do you do when you seem to keep running into the same issues over and over?
Keep at it.
Read SUFFERING? Count It All Joy.
