1 John 4:13
[13] By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. (ESV)
It is wonderful to know the truth that we have been called by God and saved by his amazing grace. Yet, there are times that we doubt. The cares, worries, and distractions of the world rob us of our confidence that we are actually the Lord's children. The enemy seeks continually to rob us of the assurance of our faith.
The Apostle John reminds us today that we have been given God's precious Spirit. This wonderful Holy Spirit lives within us and encourages our hearts. He reminds us that we belong to Him. What an incredible help he is to us. The more that we walk with the Lord the more we are reminded that we cannot do anything without his help. That help comes directly from the Spirit whom we have been given.
“The Christian’s life in all its aspects—intellectual and ethical, devotional and relational, upsurging in worship and outgoing in witness—is supernatural; only the Spirit can initiate and sustain it. So apart from him, not only will there be no lively believers and no lively congregations, there will be no believers and no congregations at all.” – J. I. Packer
The Christian life is a difficult one. We are called to love those who hate us. We are admonished to forgive people who have wronged us, and are not even sorry for their sin. We are invited to be martyrs for our faith. We are asked to sacrifice our will for God's will. We are to refuse the temptation of sin and walk in purity. This Christian walk is impossible . . . in our own strength. Thank God we have been given his Spirit.
Walk with the Lord today. It will be challenging. It will be downright difficult. But, you will find joy in the task as you rely completely on the power of his Spirit.
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