We’re almost a whole week into January, which means, statistically, 23% of people have already given up on their New Year’s resolution. By the end of the month, it will be 43%, and at year’s end, 92%. How are you doing on yours?
Some of those resolutions are reasonable; others are no more than castles carved in clouds or hopes strung across the clouds. They might have been pretty and well-intentioned, but in the end, they were unattainable dreams.
Most of us desire to be better people in some way, yet few have the discipline and drive to accomplish it. That’s why I’m glad Jesus understands our weakness.
He doesn’t expect us to get ourselves all cleaned up and find him. He doesn’t expect us to overcome all our sins and undo the damage under our own will and strength. Every other religion/faith is dependent on people doing all the work to get it together and find God.
I love how one writer describes the call of the gospel: “We are saved because God seeks and saves the lost. The Holy Spirit used the Gospel, shared by parents, friends, and loved ones with us, read in the pages of the Bible, and preached to us…”
He looks for us.
He accepts us where we are.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV
He does the cleaning.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 ESV
That doesn’t let us off the hook; we participate in the process. Yet, it does mean that our issues aren’t handled under our own strength.
Our salvation and sanctification are in the hands of a loving God, not the fumbling hands of weak, desperate sinners. For that, we can rejoice.
Be blessed,
Kevin
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