This morning, I thanked our Father that I am as righteous as He is because He made me that way in Christ. This is a result of our union with Jesus Christ from whom all our blessings flow. Yet, when many people hear this in one of our conferences or our counseling, it is often a surprising truth! (See 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:19) A staff member told me a while back that when she and her husband came to their first conference at GLI, it was as if our staff member was speaking gibberish. She said, “I saw his mouth moving and the words coming out but what he was showing us in Scripture was like nothing I had ever heard before.” Obviously, over time the Holy Spirit gave her understanding because she is one of our best counselors and teachers now.
There is a sense of peace and relief as people grow in the belief that they are legitimately righteous in Christ. Yet, over time, some of them ask an honest question. “Since this is true, why do I still struggle?” My response is this. “You too? Like you, I still sin sometimes. I still depend on old patterns of fleshly thinking. I still get discouraged!” Some of them are often surprised (except for my wife!). I am certain by the puzzled look on their faces they are thinking, “You are the President of Grace Life International, an author, and have taught people the truth of grace for over 30 years and you still struggle?” Yes!
At first, the joy of knowing the gospel of grace may lead us to believe we will always live victoriously. Over time, we can become discouraged and even disillusioned that this simply isn’t true. What then?
It’s an opportunity to talk to our Father as we realize we are still under grace, totally righteous, fully forgiven, and forever loved by Him in Christ. This is another dimension of living victoriously we can choose to boldly embrace. However, maturing and living like who we are in Christ is the work of the Spirit within. There is also great value in being with a group of people who honestly share like our Men Under Grace Group, led by Robin Eckard, and our Grace Group, co-led by Francie Beard and Mike Saylor. Yet, we may still need some confidential one-on-one help like our GLI seasoned counselors. We offer affirming encouragement in the Scriptures at our Freedom Conferences. Please register here and join us for the next one!
Let’s all remember a few things. 1) The gospel of grace is perfect but living it out in real life is not perfect. 2) You are not alone in your struggle. 3) Your Father loves you in your struggle and is with you. 4) Our staff is here for you as those who know what it is like to struggle and what to do when it happens.
