DEVOTION, October 7, Wednesday, our struggle

“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Romans 7:19).

Yes, God is indeed with us to help us live the Christian life. It is also true that our old human nature remains intact. Paul describes the battle we all face, the struggle between our old self and our new self. We want to do the right thing, but we fall short. We want to avoid evil, but we are not always successful. Martin Luther described a Christian as one who is simultaneously a righteous person and also a sinner.

Paul is not giving us an excuse for our sins but is merely reflecting reality. Once we face up to the fact that our best efforts to please God always fall short, it drives us back to the cross where we find forgiveness. We don’t ever want to think so highly of ourselves that we no longer need the cross. Nor do we want to become so discouraged over our failures that we give up.

As we read Romans 7 in its entirety, we understand that we are victorious through Jesus Christ. As we live by faith, trusting in Jesus daily, we experience two things: the power to grow in faithfulness, and the grace that leads us constantly to the cross where we find forgiveness.

Gracious Father, help me to see how urgently I need Jesus. I need His help daily to live a God-honoring life. I need His cross daily to remind me that my sins are forgiven. Thank You, Jesus, for meeting these needs in my life. Amen. Jump to Toolbar