“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.“
– Hebrews 4:16
It’s those everyday sins of the moment. I didn’t get up planning to be impatient, or angry, or petty, or jealous, or unbelieving, or lying, or anxious, or driven to control people. The temptations arise in the heat of the moment. These are considered low-grade sins – like a low-grade fever – nothing to get alarmed about.
But these low-grade sins are our spiritual enemies. They rob us of joy and a sense of God’s presence with us. They sap our spiritual vitality and sully our testimony before our family and co-workers.
The solution to everyday struggles with sin is not changing behavior! The solution to everyday struggles with sin is a changed heart. Repentance is the only route to a changed heart. James 4:7 to 10 gives us the process for repentance. Contemplate these ten elements of repentance. They are the foundation for restoration. God RESTORES those who repent!
God has made generous provision for our everyday struggles with sin.
The Holy Spirit, saving grace through Christ’s perfect life, death and resurrection, the Scriptures, and prayer are resources to combat everyday struggles with sin.
We may claim the promise of I Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
“The way out” is one of the greatest blessings we enjoy as a result of Christ’s work, described in Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Take your “everyday struggles with sin” to the throne of grace as the day begins. Don’t wait until the enemy is in your face. God is faithful. He will deliver when we cry out, but His purpose is that we put on his armor (Galatians 6), that we prepare our minds for action (1 Peter 1:13).
Blessings,
Margy Tripp
