God's Grace Saves Us from Ourselves

Every individual is subject to weaknesses in life, which can be the source of sorrow and regret. Internal conflict demands difficult choices that may leave you feeling frustrated and defeated in mind and spirit. That God does not promise us freedom from tests and temptations can be troubling. 

Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch, failed to successfully manage his internal impulses concerning his wife Sarah. The compulsion to please Sarah when she pressured him to have a child with her maidservant, rather than trusting in God’s promise, would affect his peace and well-being for the rest of his life.

Like us, Abraham failed at regulating his thoughts and behaviors. This does not mean God has abandoned us when we fail to self-regulate. Unavoidable trials and temptations can strengthen our confidence and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To realize God’s grace is sufficient to save us from defeat instills courage to press onward toward his purpose for us. 

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 [Christ’s] reply has been, “My grace is enough for you; for where there is weakness, my power is shown more completely.” Therefore I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ.

~2 Corinthians 12:9 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

The Great Wall of Contempt

Jealous thoughts and feelings are complex and contradictory. On the surface jealousy and love seem to be interwoven together, but when love is battered with incessant jealousy, love and trust began to diminish. However, jealousy may not die along with love but continue to trouble both the carrier and the person to whom jealousy is directed.

 

Jealousy eventually builds a wall of contempt against the accuser because of incessant questioning and accusations that portray deep-seated weaknesses which are the building blocks of contempt. It's important to note that contempt is often present in both the accused and the accuser.

Weaknesses of personality create distrust and jealousy, but strength for coping with this powerful mindset is found in God's Word. Listen for a moment. "My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weaknesses." Why not let God's grace strengthen you with power to overcome your frailty? This is the channel for deliverance from the power of jealousy.

Yes, But – I Want It Now!

Getting what you want is a privilege most responsible people enjoy. God's timing, however, may be different from your immediate timetable. This can be frustrating to the point of your making the mistake of plunging ahead determined to make things happen, but then suffering the consequences of impatience. To persevere includes exerting self-control and waiting for God’s timing.

 

Rachel appears to be a vibrant young woman capable of hard work and dependability. Jacob first met her at a well where she came to water her flock of sheep and goats. In addition to being energetic and assertive, she was attractive. Rachel exhibited a toughness of character that demonstrated she could handle responsibility.

 

Rachel also displayed self-control by waiting seven years for Jacob, the man she loved. Tough personalities can have weaknesses that make them vulnerable to hurt and pain. It's at this place where perseverance is required, where you realize God’s grace is adequate to cover your weaknesses. Then you can gratefully say, “Thank you, Lord Jesus.”