I use an NIV/Message parallel Bible. There are folks who debate the merit of The Message, so I always start with the NIV of a passage. Perhaps it is my background in Youth Ministry--or my practical, simple-mindedness--but I enjoy comparing The Message translation for a fresh perspective on a familiar passage. This one really jumped out at me:
"I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." Romans 7:17-25 (The Message)
I posted about sin last month, specifically self-centeredness. Motherhood has certainly exposed a lot of it in me. I feel resentful when someone else's need interrupts my plans and desires. I cannot even keep my commitment to treat my body better through healthy diet and exercise, to exercise restraint and self-control in impulse spending, much less guard my lips from saying unkind things when I am hurt. How can I be trusted with the responsibility of three little people's upbringing when I still have so much growing up to do myself?
Only through prayer. Only through faith. Only by surrendering constantly to the Sovereignty of God. He commands me to love, love, love. Even when it is hard, ESPECIALLY when it is hard.
I rejoice to serve a Savior who has much grace for my struggle. This "life of contradictions" is the reason we need Him. I am not alone.
4 comments:
Kathy from sunballo.blogspot.com (I think you would enjoy "meeting" her)left this comment on a post I wrote today that applies here.
" Until we cling to God's presence and are satisfied in his touch, we are like marbles in a pinball machine." I love that word picture.
Kate
I have used the Message translation for toilet reading. It's very insightful, quick to the point, and you can get done with a passage pretty quickly (hopefully without too many knocks on the door) and your spirit is lifted again. I hope that doesn't sound terrible I just mean that I can read it, absorb it, and be encouraged rather quickly with reading snippets from it. Bathroom time is sometimes my only quiet time I get throughout the day (after early morning devotionals I mean).
Amen! We have been talking about Romans in Sunday School and just discussed this passage. I love that part that says "Thank God is that Jesus Christ can and does." I am so thankful that this is the beautiful picture of the Gospel...we don't have to be perfect! It's all about Jesus!! I need to rely on Him more and me less.
Thanks for sharing!
Funny...I love reading the Message along side the Bible and comparing. I think it is a great tool.
I read your post about self-centerdness and I almost cried. It really hit home for me. I suddenly realized that the very thing you were speaking on was the root of a few of my own blemishes.
I find myself eating whatever I want, going to bed at whatever time I want, buying whatever I want...etc etc. because I feel I desrve it for all of the sacrifices I make for my family. You are right, I am making excuses!
I respect the fact that you posted such intimate details about your personal struggles. I think it is so important as Women to share and be honest about our personal struggles and growth. It's amazing how we can motivate and inspire one another. Thank You!
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