God already knows man's condition. "For [Jesus] knew all men, and . . . did not need anyone to
testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man" (John
2:24-25). Nothing man tells God about his weakness will shock or surprise God,
but recognizing one's shortcomings can initiate movement toward help.
Admitting he is not where he would like to be is a step of
growth for a Christian. Paul powerfully expressed his weakness: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set
me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Clearly, Paul
wanted to be more consistent spiritually. He admitted that he longed to be free
from sin's recurrent impact on his life.
Asaph also admitted his struggle. While his words were
written after he had gained victory, they disclose his piteous condition in the
midst of the temptation. He summarized, "But
as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped"
(Psalm 73:2). Asaph had been so troubled in his spirit that he was ready to
give up on following God. "Surely in
vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence" (v.
13). Asaph admits how low he had sunk in his emotions and actions. "When my heart was embittered and I was
pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before
You" (vs. 21-22). This story speaks honestly of a nearly tragic
failure that Asaph did not want to repeat.
Jesus spoke to a father whose son was troubled by an evil
spirit. As Jesus prepared to heal the son, He questioned the father's faith. "Immediately the boy's father cried out
and said, 'I do believe; help my unbelief'" (Mark 9:24). If this man
possessed no belief, he would not have come to Jesus, yet he freely recognized
and admitted that his faith was lacking and imperfect. He was not in the
position where he wanted to be.
Admitting one's need is a helpful starting point which leads
logically to formulating a resolve. In spite of moments of tremendous failure,
David had a sincere heart to follow God. Whether before or after his great sin,
he penned this resolve: "I will set
no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it
shall not fasten its grip on me" (Psalm 101:3). David knew something
of his own weakness, and he made this statement that he wanted to do anything
he could to avoid sin.
Paul also recognized his own weakness in the midst of his
resolve. "For I know that nothing
good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but
the doing of the good is not" (Romans 7:18). Paul desperately wanted
to do the right thing. His heart was in the right place. He knew, however, that
the struggle to follow through was too great for him.
While it is important for a Christian to resolve to do right,
he must realize that the strength to follow through depends on God. The resolve
must be coupled with eyes that are fixed on God. In a time of fear, David
prayed, "When I am afraid, I will
put my trust in You" (Psalm 56:3). He freely told God that he was
fearful. At the same time, David recognized that God was the answer to his
weakness. David's resolve to trust could not be separated from the God in whom
he was trusting.
Another psalmist penned the amazing Psalm 119. He starts by
noticing and admiring faithful believers around him. This young man realized
and admitted that he was not where he wanted to be. His resolve was also coupled
with admission to God. "Oh that my
ways may be established to keep Your statutes!" (Psalm 119:5). His heart's
desire could not be accomplished without the help of the God to whom he prayed.
Anyone was struggles, either with the oppression of
temptation or with the reality of spiritual immaturity, must realize that victory
is possible only through God. Paul revealed that his spiritual growth and
success were achieved only by God's grace. "But
by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;
but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with
me" (I Corinthians 15:10). In fact, Paul disclosed that even the
desire to please God could come only from God Himself. "For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for
His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
These steps work together effectively. A Christian realizes
and admits his weakness. He resolves to please God in that area. He recognizes
that only God's help can bring success. This leads him to asking God for help.
Something amazing happens when a Christian cries out to God
in an admission of human helplessness and a plea for divine help. "God is opposed to the proud, but gives
grace to the humble" (I Peter 5:5). When man thinks he is strong
enough or spiritual enough to get victory on his own, he is depriving himself
of God's grace. When he humbly appeals to God, God responds with the grace
needed to achieve the victory.
In considering the weaknesses and temptations of man, God
instructs, "Therefore let us draw
near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). There is no victory
without God's grace, but God's grace is poured out on the humble.
"The sacrifices
of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not
despise" (Psalm 51:17).
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