More than a survivor

          This morning I spent some time in Romans 7 and found myself identifying with Paul’s struggle – I want to do good and right but the sin nature takes over and I end up doing the exact opposite of what I want to do. That is, I sin. “Waging war” is a good word picture of what is going on inside of me.

          War is intense and wearing. So it stands to reason that after you have been battling this for so long, you could end up just worn out and in deep despair: “What a wretched person I am – who will rescue me?”

          If I pause right there, it really does seem hopeless. For I know there is no one who could ever rescue me. No one.

          No one, that is, except the One who is God and man. “Thanks be to God!” the rescue comes through Jesus.

          Right there is enough to make a person jump up, dance and shout “hallelujah!” But if you keep reading, you will find as I do that there is even more. Not only are we rescued, but there is NO condemnation to those who are in Christ. It is almost unbelievable but there it is written in black and white.

          But wait – there’s more! (I’m starting to feel like an infomercial.) We’ve been given the Holy Spirit who leads us… not to be slaves to fear but instead we are made sons. We can call Him “Abba” (papa). He has given the Spirit to help us in our weakness and Who prays for us when we haven’t a clue what or how to pray.

          Then the icing on the cake is that God works everything in my life for good – to make me more like His Son, Jesus. Everything.

          It makes me stand speechless. Someone would have the right to poke my arm and ask “if God is for you, who can be against you?” And before I could even answer that – the second question really hammers it home… “Who is condemning you?” All I can say is this – Jesus is at the right hand of God and He is interceding for me.

          Isn’t that incredible? All of that is just amazing. BUT that isn’t what hit me this morning. On top of the delicious cake and icing, there is a cherry. (Of course it is chocolate covered!!)

          God goes one step further and says we are more than conquerors. Wow. I had to sit back and think on that. I am more than just a survivor. More than a survivor and yet way too often that is exactly how I live – like I have barely survived.

          No wonder I (along with my fellow Christians) am so unattractive to the world around us. Who would want to join a raggedy-taggedy bunch of war survivors? (In my mind I picture a bunch of people who have bedraggled, dirty hair… torn, smelly clothing… and extremely hollowed out, solemn faces just barely able to stand. Nothing there inviting.)

          This whole thought goes right along with Jesus statement in John 10 where He said He had come to give us abundant life. Abundant life is way more than just surviving!

          When I put those two truths together the only conclusion I can come up with is that having a survivor’s mentality is wrong. Very wrong for someone who has been made a son of God.

          It actually shows a very ungrateful heart. If I had no other reason to be thankful and  realize I am more than a survivor, all those incredible things told me in Romans 7 & 8 should make a huge change in my countenance and demeanor.

          I’m not saying it will be easy or there won’t be days that are challenging. But I think it is time to rally the troops, get rid of this survivor’s mentality, and act like who we really are – sons and daughters of the King!