Several years ago I had an epiphany. I remember exactly where I was: the senate fountain between Union Station and the Capitol. And I remember exactly when it was: during a forty day season of prayer and fasting. This one revelation changed my life. It was during a prayer walk that I sensed the Spirit whisper to my spirit: Mark, it's not about what you can do for me. It's about what I have done for you.
That is such a simple truth. But it can change your life. And it has become one of my personal mantras.
I was reminded of that simple truth as I read The Message translation of Galatians 3 today: Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for us.
Take a deep breath. Now exhale. The pressure is off of us. We so desperately want to earn what can only be freely received. It is so hard for us to overcome this salvation by works mentality, but we can't save ourselves. So let's quit trying. Let go. And let God do for you what you cannot do for yourself. And the good news? It's already done. Every blessing was validated, every promise fulfilled, every sin atoned for on the Cross.
Boom. Done.
That is such a simple truth. But it can change your life. And it has become one of my personal mantras.
I was reminded of that simple truth as I read The Message translation of Galatians 3 today: Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for us.
Take a deep breath. Now exhale. The pressure is off of us. We so desperately want to earn what can only be freely received. It is so hard for us to overcome this salvation by works mentality, but we can't save ourselves. So let's quit trying. Let go. And let God do for you what you cannot do for yourself. And the good news? It's already done. Every blessing was validated, every promise fulfilled, every sin atoned for on the Cross.
Boom. Done.
4 Comments:
Amen, great insight. Reading through "In the Grip of Grace" by Max Lucado and just echo the hard fight it is to get past the works mentality...
Mark, thanks for this powerful reminder. I would love to hear any insight you have on how to approach spiritual disciplines. Those who teach and practice them call them them an essential component to spiritual growth, not in a legalistic sense but putting yourself in a place where the grace of God can meet you. Yet their also the spiritual equivalent of exercise, a must-do that is good for your health but painful and often boring. Many who go that route end up frustrated.
How does "let go and let God" encourage the pursuit of godliness, and how does it match up with deny yourself and follow me?
Thanks! - Larry
Mark,
Great insight. It becomes very easy to confuse doing things for with just being with, at least for me at times.
We like to say, "Ministry is not our gift to God, it is His gift to us."
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