Read: Romans 7:18-19
I go through seasons where I am determined to get healthy. I have all the motivation in the world—setting goals, making plans, and even bringing on accountability partners. I join the gym, buy the clothes, and download the apps. And it works…for a while. But historically, whenever I think I’m making progress, I find myself right back where I started—sometimes even worse. It’s so frustrating.
We’ve all been there—making resolutions to stop bad habits, yet finding ourselves back in the same cycle. It’s like we’re stuck in a never-ending loop of trying and failing. This feeling of powerlessness can leave us wondering why we can’t just stop. The Apostle Paul understood this struggle when he wrote to the Romans, expressing his frustration with his inability to carry out the good he desired. In those moments of failure, it’s tempting to think that we’re beyond hope, but God’s grace tells a different story.
Paul’s words show us that struggling doesn’t mean we lack faith; it means we’re human. Our sinful nature is strong, but the grace of God is stronger. Instead of relying solely on our willpower to change, we need to rely on the transformative power of God’s Spirit. It’s not our grit but God’s grace that will sustain us in the battle.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of your life feel like a constant struggle against sin?
- How can you rely more on God’s grace rather than your own efforts to overcome them?
- What steps can you take to invite God’s power into your struggles?