“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)
Sometimes we feel like we shouldn’t bother God so much, that he expects us to have gotten it by now and be able to handle it ourselves. This lie of course tricks us into doing things in our strength rather than God’s and failing to get the victory over our sin. Paul reminds us, in his letter to the Romans, that Christ laid down his life for us while we were his enemies, weak sinners, ungodly and without hope of doing any good work for ourselves, at least that will endure for all eternity.
Now, Paul reminds us, we have been justified by Christ’s blood and reconciled to His Father by his death. The image of the frustrated, angry, impatient Father is horribly inaccurate. We have been saved from his wrath. He loves us, has adopted us, and made us his own. Now that we are his, he’ll do even more for us as he finishes the work he has began in us. Call on the name of the Lord. Ask in faith for what you have need. He knows and He will meet it, his time and his way, if we cling to him with open hearts and wait upon him.
Lord, forgive us for the times we’ve rushed ahead of you. We thank you for the work you have began in us and we are believing you will finish it. We open our hearts today, by your grace, may we be willing to change and be reconciled in word and deed to your own. May your life be revealed in us today. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.