It's a Marathon! April 22, 2020

In Romans 7, Paul expresses the inner struggle that happens within all of us. Sin is powerful and deceitful and we need to understand that it is stronger than we are within ourselves. We can often struggle between right and wrong. Yet, Paul clears the way for our thinking to understand that we cannot walk this walk alone and we don't have to! That is the wonderful news of this chapter.

It is crucial that we grasp the truth that becoming Christ-like is a life-long process. It is like training for a marathon--nothing happens in a day! The joy of this is that with each passing moment, as we rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, we incrementally become stronger and more fruitful for God and are bringing forth good deeds in our lives that are pleasing to God and give Him glory.

We absolutely cannot live the Christian life without the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to keep our hearts and minds centered on Jesus. In the New Living Translation, Romans 7:25 starts with, "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord...!" Friends, it all begins and ends with centering on our life in Christ.