There are moments, days, sometimes weeks when this is all I can do. Just breathe! Ironically, I don't do a very good job of that, either - hence the necessary steps broken down: inhale, exhale, repeat. It's kind of amazing how words affect us. In one day, this ring has reminded me to breathe several times. In the same way, God's word keeps me grounded by its truth. I ran across these verses the other day. The power in them left me dazed. Even breathless. If ever I ask myself why I am here, what is God's will for my life, I will always be able to find it here.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14, ESV
Oh, what powerful words! As I reflect on them, I realize more and more how selfish I am, wanting my life my way on my terms. Yet, it is Jesus who redeemed me. It is Jesus who purifies me. It is for his purpose I am to live because I am a part of his people. Who am I to tell him how to do his job? I long to be able to submit to my Savior more and more each day, and I know by his grace I will continue to grow in this way. Not simply because I wish it to be so, but because my Savior intends to make it so. That doesn't make my effort to live a godly life any less, but it does make the outcome a sure thing. Oh, the struggle is real, but so is my Jesus. ~Soli Deo Gloria
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." Titus 2:11-14, ESV
Oh, what powerful words! As I reflect on them, I realize more and more how selfish I am, wanting my life my way on my terms. Yet, it is Jesus who redeemed me. It is Jesus who purifies me. It is for his purpose I am to live because I am a part of his people. Who am I to tell him how to do his job? I long to be able to submit to my Savior more and more each day, and I know by his grace I will continue to grow in this way. Not simply because I wish it to be so, but because my Savior intends to make it so. That doesn't make my effort to live a godly life any less, but it does make the outcome a sure thing. Oh, the struggle is real, but so is my Jesus. ~Soli Deo Gloria
