Why Does This Keep Happening?

Why Does This Keep Happening?

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. Romans 7:21

If there was ever a verse that I could relate to, it’s this one. How many times have I prayed for forgiveness, concluding with the promise that I won’t lose my temper (or fill in the blank with plenty of other items) the next time around? I can clearly see my sin. I feel a deep sense of remorse, and I have an overriding conviction not to let it happen again.

I wish it were so easy.

Because before long, I lose my temper again and remember that heartfelt, sincere prayer and think, What is wrong with me? What is wrong with me that I can’t seem to stop doing the things I don’t want to do and instead do the things I want to do?

What’s wrong with me is that I am a very flawed sinner, and very fertile ground for the subtle wiles, evil plans, and devious ploys of Satan. What’s wrong with me is that in my humanness I am bound to fall short of the glory of God and the standard of His Son, my Savior, whose example I try to emulate.

I try to remember the myriad moments when I’ve fallen before, asking God once again for His grace. And when I find myself correcting the same behavior in my children, I think, How can I expect them to be perfect when I—someone older, wiser, more experienced, and I would think more spiritually connected with God—have such a difficult time?

Whoops.

Just to be clear, God’s grace is not a ticket to get out of jail or a free pass to sin at will. But I must admit I find it liberating that the apostle Paul dealt with the very same thing in his life. That gives me hope.

What about you? Only God’s grace will do.

Uncommon Key > Use a concordance to look up the word grace in the Bible, especially all the times it occurs in the New Testament. Then thank God for His unmerited favor to you when you sin. Don’t be discouraged. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the future.