I would say that Im tired of weeping during my time with God each morning, but it would be untrue. There is something so HOLY about being met by my Savior that it overwhelms. Hes led me back into Romans today, and it was a blessed reunion! Heres what Ive found: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:1-6 NIV) Some 42 days after I studied Romans 4, I’ve returned to Romans again. There is a quiet comfort and peace in these words from Paul. He doesn’t speak of what will be or what has been, but what is. As I look here God speaks to me of my position in Him and the peace that rests between us. I am justified, and at peace with God. Father, I understand. You don’t OFFER me peace, and you aren’t bringing me to peace with you. You have created peace between us. There’s no struggle, and I’m not your enemy any longer. I weep as I realize that I’m truly not condemned. No… you have justified me through the blood of Jesus, and you are at work in me toward your own glory. What a foul and desperate man you found in me, and you have made me whole. Today, 42 days later, I still struggle with temptation. This was another early day – medicine and health issues drive me to bed early some days, and then up again at 2am. Early mornings in an empty house give opportunity to our enemy, and when I don’t feel well I can often feel the “wavering”. God, though, is faithful. He is teaching me that His Word is a refuge to me. I can return to Him and hear His voice, and He always speaks Truth. He wrote through Paul, “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit”. We hope for God’s glory. We long for His peace, and urgently yearn to be made right with Him. He gently leads us – not into peace, nor into a right relationship with Him or even toward glorifying Him. He leads us to understand that we ARE AT peace with Him. He has MADE us fall into a right relationship with Him. And He shows us that our hope brings Him glory. Father, I am cold, and it is dark here, and I am alone and tired. And you are with me. You and I are at peace, and I cannot express my gratitude to you adequately. Thank you Father, you did what I could never do.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:30:43 +0000