Discouraged? Don't be.

Have you ever noticed that even when you want to do what is right, you always seem to mess up?It's like you can't win for trying. I experience it everyday. I want to do what is right. I want to serve God with all my being. But it seems like no matter how hard I try, I still sin constantly. I cannot go an hour, much less a day, without thinking, saying, or doing something contrary with God's law. It is just impossible. And to add to it, I see others that always seem to have it all together. I get so discouraged. Do you ever feel this way? I thought I was the only one until I read something Paul wrote in Romans 7:21-25,

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

This really helped when I read this. Just to know that the apostle Paul had a daily struggle with sin was an encouragement. God used tis man to take the gospel to so many new places. Not to mention, He used him to write most of the New Testament. I don't feel as useless anymore.

Satan so often tries to bring up past failures in our lives to keep us from accomplishing the work God has for us. He constantly tells us that we aren't good enough. And you know what, he is right. None of us are. But that fact alone is what is so encouraging to me. To know that I am not qualified of good enough to serve God, yet He still chooses to use me. Oh thank you, Lord. When Satan comes to tell me that I can't do what I know God has called me to do because I messed up, I just laugh, agree, and say, "I know isn't it great how He still uses me. His mercy is AMAZING and His grace is SUFFICIENT." See I strive to serve God more because of my sin, not in spite of it because He has covered it all in the blood of His Son. That is why I am able to do what He has for me. Our God is truly a great and awesome God!!!

So the next time Satan tries to tell you that you can't do something because you're a sinner, be encouraged and agree with him. God knows you fail and still CHOOSES you!