A Letter to God by Lane Jordan Burday
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do…As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature…For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind. What a wretched man I am!
(Rom 7: 15-24)
“Dear God, So far today, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped or lost my temper. I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, or self-centered. I believe I’m maturing as a Christian, and if I keep this up, who knows how far I can go in life! But, in a few minutes, I’m going to get out of bed, and then I’m going to need a lot of help to get through this day. Your Child.”
Were you surprised by the ending of this letter? The first time I heard it, I couldn’t stop laughing because walking with perfection is impossible!
The Apostle Paul wrote the above verse to the Christians in Rome. This man was such an amazing Christian that he wrote most of the New Testament! But in this verse, he states that each day, he wrestles with his mind and actions.
On one hand, he wants to live a blameless life. But on the other hand, the war within him that battles this is always present.
So, what is the answer? Jesus!
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin (Rom 7: 24-25).
The beauty of God’s word continues in the next verse, Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Dear ones, no matter what sin you or I have committed, when we confess to God, He does not condemn you—ever!
We can get out of bed and start each new day with a smile and a hop in our steps because Jesus is with us in the ups and downs. We can live in victory!
#
Lane Jordan-Burday is the Pearls of Promise Ministries Prayer Co-Coordinator; POP Talk TV and Radio Co-Host and Writer. She is also is an award-winning and best-selling author of over ten adult and children’s books. She is a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, seminar leader, professional life coach, Bible teacher, and artist. She served as the Associate Producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. She prays for women to come to know the Lord is God!
Lane’s latest book, Evangeline, is a historical fiction based on the book of Esther. You can reach Lane at: lane@lanejordanministries.com. Her website is: www.LaneJordanMinistries.com.