Does Any Other Believer Struggle?

December 2017 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Does Any Other Believer Struggle?

Have you ever had the experience when a person for whom you hold special regard unexpectedly says something improper or even bad? “He said that?” may echo through our minds for some time after such an occurrence. We might even surprise ourselves by a thought, comment or action for which we would be embarrassed if others knew about it. Somehow, we who are believers seem to think that no other Christian struggles with the same kinds of God-dishonoring things that we do. But that is not true. We all struggle with such things; for their source is from the flesh, or old nature, that remains in every one of us.

Articles this month should bring an encouragement to all of us as we recognize this conflict within and seek to deal with it in a manner which brings honor to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The lessons are not from recent books written by men and women as “helps,” but from the Word of God itself. Yes, God sees our need even in this matter and has presented in Scripture instructions and points to encourage and guide us toward Himself and away from what is wrong. He loves us so greatly that He cares about everything in our lives. Does this not touch our hearts?

The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth to deliver us not only from the penalty of sin but also from the power of sin in our daily lives. He is God’s gift to us! Giving and getting gifts is a focus of much of the world at Christmas, and we are to do good to others – not just at this time but throughout the year. Yet this is not the only time of the year to think about Christ’s birth. We should be reminded of it every day as we take moments to meditate on God’s love for us in giving His Son. Let us take time, even a little time, daily from our busy schedules to remember Him, and what He has done and continues to do for us. This will affect us and God will be honored. Along the way we will even be kept from thinking or doing something that the flesh tries to produce in our lives, although we may never realize it!

Thank you for your faithful prayers offered on behalf of the work and workers here at Grace & Truth during the past year. The Lord knows the future and it is good to be entrusted to His care.

By Paul Alberts