Slow But Sure

There are hard lessons to learn in life. An important one concerns the evil of our own hearts. I know some about it, but I need to know more. I see through scripture that the more I know of myself, the more I will love Jesus and His salvation. The more I know Him-the better I will trust Him. The more I trust Him-the more I will love Him. The more I love Him-the better I will serve Him. I am not called to buy, but to beg; not to be strong in myself, but in the grace that I receive through Christ. He is continually working in me and teaching me...and I know He will to the end. I love the following quote by John Newton. It's so full of honest facts about ourselves and unbelievable truths about God.

"I hope what you find in yourself by daily experience, will humble you—but not discourage you. For if our Physician is almighty—our disease cannot be desperate. Our sins are many—but His mercies are more. Our sins are great—but His righteousness is greater. When our sins prevail, remember that we have an Advocate with the Father, who is able to pity, to pardon, and to save to the uttermost! Think of the names and relations which Jesus bears to us. Does He not call Himself—a Savior, a Shepherd, a Friend, and a Husband? Has He not made known unto us His love, His atoning sacrifice, His righteousness, His promises, His power, and His grace—and all for our encouragement? It is better to be admiring the compassion and fullness of grace which is in our Savior—than to dwell and pore too much upon our own poverty and vileness."

My sins are many, but "HIS MERCIES ARE MORE"! My sins are great, but "HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IS GREATER"! I have to remember that holiness isn't instantaneous. Yes, the power of sin was broken from our lives the moment God saved us, but growing to be like Christ is a process. Justification is immediate...sanctification takes time. Knowing this encourages me and gives my sinful soul hope for the future. I can be sure Christ is at work in me, even when it's hard for me to see. I'll leave you with the last part of the above quote.

"Remember, the growth of a believer is not like a mushroom—but like an oak, which increases slowly indeed—but surely. Many suns, showers, and frosts, pass upon it before it comes to perfection. And in winter, when it seems to be dead—it is gathering strength at the root. Be humble, watchful, and diligent in the means, and endeavor to look through all, and fix your eye upon Jesus—and all shall be well. I commend you to the care of the good Shepherd."