Romans 7:24-25

Romans 7:24-25 (MSG) 
 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.

Oh, does this sound familiar!  All I have to do is consider the one thing I struggle with and these words speak volumes to me.  At this stage in life my daily battle is food.  Yours might be finances, relationships or, fill in the blank.

My fight with eating isn't just eating the wrong things at the wrong times and in wrong portion size, my battle is with the convenience of many of these items.  Fast food is just that...fast.  In a world were instant gratification is prominent, fast is good.

The Message version of the text today helps to clarify this problem.  Is there no one who can do anything for me? The influence of sin is strong, but Jesus has overcome sin for us.  How do I apply this fact to the one thing I can't seem to conquer, the one vice that trips me up daily?  Well, I can't, but He can.  As Pastor Jeff Marian used to tell us, "I can't. God can. I'll let Him!"

Paul preached of his sinful ways, spoke so we could relate to him and the daily battles he fought with God's help. I do believe God has given us what we need to wage war with sin and he lets us know that we are not in this alone. We have the armor of God to clothe ourselves in each and every day.  I love these verses, but too often forget to use them.

Ephesians 6:11 (MSG)  So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.

Grace is everywhere we turn.  As Christians, Grace is a given, a subtle gift which is there waiting for us to acknowledge.  When we are at the end of our rope, God's grace will get us through.