” . . . the new life is not a destination, a place you can get to and say, ‘I’m finally here.’ . . . The new life is really less of one thing and more of another. Even in the face of our natural predisposition to sin, we can make progress — get better and better. How? We have a new power and a new hope available to us.”- Bob Merritt
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.”- Romans 8:9 (NIV)
In Chapter 9 (“Less Rebellion, More Obedience”) of Done With That, Bob Merritt observes that God grants us seasons of relative calm and joy. However, Pastor Merritt adds, such seasons rarely last. Because an unexpected setback or challenge often lurks right around the bend.
Therefore, no one breezes through life unscathed by sin. Thus, we all experience brokenness at some level – whether caused by our own sin or the sin of another.
Above all, Pastor Merritt counsels, we often underestimate our external spiritual enemy, Satan. For Satan works day and night with one specific aim – to destroy our lives. Furthermore, Satan often waits to make his move until we’re exhausted, let down our spiritual guard, or take on a big challenge. Hence Peter instructed us, “Resist [the devil], standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Finally, the author exhorts us to actively and daily resist the devil. We can defeat the devil, because we have authority over him in Christ. However, in order to do that we must intentionally resist the devil in prayer. In addition, refuse to allow your circumstances to sway your behavior or weaken your hope.
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you make progress toward the new life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Entanglements of the old life – how to avoid”
