“Within the spiritual ecosystem of God’s saving sovereignty, in fact, our struggle is like the little squall stirred up in a snow globe. God is collecting all these little storms . . . doing something beautiful with us, and even in us and through us (emphasis author’s).”- Jared C. Wilson
“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.”- Romans 8:1-3
In Chapter 1 (“Sin and the Art of Soul Maintenance”) of The Imperfect Disciple, Jared Wilson succinctly contrasts Romans 7 and 8. He states:
“I’m engaged in the flesh before I even get my feet on the carpet. And yet, right there beside me, laid out like the day’s outfit for school, are new mercies.”
Thus, Jared exhorts us, introduce the truth of Romans 8 to every dark place in your heart. And make sure this happens as often, as much and as fiercely as you can.
Most importantly, this must happen every day. why? Because, the author observes, as long as we live on the other side of glory, there’s more sanctifying to go through.
In conclusion, Jared notes that the problem Romans 7 highlights needs the antidote Romans 8 presents. Furthermore, Jared states, both the problem and the antidote reverberate throughout the Bible. Also, Romans 7 and 8 help us to diagnose our real dysfunctions. For deep down, we know our real problems don’t revolve around self-actualization, success, or happiness.
So, try as we might to address all these issues, we never feel quite fixed.
Today’s question: What beautiful thing has God done through your little snow globe squalls? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Refollowing Jesus every day”