Contending

Scripture:

“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Col 1:29

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Phil 4:13 NLT

Reflection:

The second law of thermodynamics states that if left to its own devices, everything in the universe moves toward disorder and decay. Cars will rust, buildings will deteriorate, and trees will grow old and die. Unfortunately, this natural world is designed to move from an ordered state to a disordered state. This process, called entropy is one thing that to be honest, my wife hates. OK, I guess we would all like for things to stay ordered and tidy, at least for a while. The good news is that we do have a future hope that Heaven will be orderly and without decay! PTL

There is a part of me that wishes that when we became followers of Jesus, this process of disorder and decay just stopped. It would be great if when we became a follower of Jesus, we would never have to add oil to the car, we would not have to replace the boards on the deck due to rot, and house maintenance projects would be a process of the former life before Christ. Think of all the time and frustration we would save not having to maintain stuff.

Yet, if God did this for us here and now, would we be appreciative after a year or two? After a while no matter what was done for us, I believe it would slide into the category of  “life as normal.”

Remember God did some pretty amazing miracles for the children of Israel as they exited Egypt. It didn’t take them very long to find things to complain about. In this world, work is required and if we are going to do the work the way that God would intend, we must rely on His strength and His help.

If everything were done for us, we wouldn’t need to know that quiet energy that helps us through our days. The apostle Paul describes it as “His energy that so powerfully works within me!” Paul also declares that in the struggles of life, he knew what it was to be in need, and he knew what it was to have plenty. He learned the secret of being content in all situations, whether well-fed or hungry or living in plenty or want. He confidently stated, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4:13

There is a quiet energy that we have in Christ at our disposal. For even if “our flesh and our heart fail, yet God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever.” … “So do not fear, for He is with you; do not be dismayed, for He is your God. He will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.” Though this world is falling apart, we have a God that strengthens us day by day, and for that, I am truly grateful…even when I’m doing the daily maintenance of those things that seem to fall apart.

Grateful for His Grace

David