I'm Struggling, Lord: Devotions From Time Of GraceSample

I can’t

“I know I should, but I can’t.” Ever heard those words? Ever heard yourself saying those words? Even St. Paul heard them coming out of his own mouth. In Romans 7, he admitted sadly that he had the desire to do what is good, but he could not carry it out. The evil that he didn’t want to do--that he kept on doing.

But he didn’t quit there, sitting by the side of the road in defeat, surrendering the battlefield to Satan. “Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24,25). Those are hope-filled words for anybody who feels trapped in “can’t.” Who want to stop drinking but can’t . . . who want to stop their emotional outbursts but can’t . . . who want to break off an affair but can’t . . . who want to finish school and get that degree but can’t . . . who know we should get married but can’t stop cohabiting. . . .

Through Christ we are forgiven of all sins and failures. Through Christ we are restored to God’s family, assured of our love and value, and enabled to let go of the bag of rocks we were dragging. Through Christ the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and power are reignited in us all over again to continue the struggle. Through Christ we believe that our tomorrows will be better than our yesterdays.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).