“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off EVERYTHING that hinders…” Hebrews 12:1
It’s a new year and the slate is clean. Although some of our resolutions may already be broken, we truly do want to begin again. We thrill to the grace of God which not only forgives but gives power to live by the Spirit of God. But can it actually happen?
And then comes that whisper of the Spirit: “This is the way; walk in it.” We hear the whisper, we even see the way laid out before us, but past experience with our own weakness and the toughness of life in general makes us hesitate. “I’ll follow, but…” “I’ll obey, however…” “I’ll speak, except…”
The Old Testament—given as an example “to keep us from setting our hearts on evil”—is filled with vivid illustrations of those whose lives were filled with buts, excepts and howevers.
Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high place. (1Kings 3:3)
He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…The high places, however, were not removed… (2 Kings 15:34, 35)
He did what right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.
(2 Chronicles 25:2)
“That is too high a standard,” we exclaim. “No one can attain—and maintain—that kind of life.” And that is exactly what God is waiting to hear. The only One with no buts, excepts or howevers in His life was Jesus and He, living within us, promises to give us the power to present ourselves as living sacrifices, ready and willing to experience all that He is ready to give.
by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• When Satan Hinders You – by Charles Stanley
• Study Guide. How Pray with Confidence
• What’s On Your Mind? – by Allan Mitchell
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