Consequently, although a soul is overwhelmed by sins…it must not be discouraged or abandon its spiritual works. On the contrary, it must arouse itself to new fervor and redouble its efforts against the enemy….Persevere to the end. (SC 12-13, Chapter 6)
Life was so much easier before I paid attention to sin.
Before God answered my knock, I was in charge of the world. No I wasn’t perfect. But neither was anyone else. I was at least as good as most people I knew…and better than a few.
Yes, I did make mistakes. Not that many. And not that big. Besides, so did everyone else.
Then God entered my world. Or rather, I noticed that He had been in my world all along. Or rather, I finally noticed that I had been in His world all along. God’s world…on earth as it is in heaven.
As His love melted my heart, I slowly began to take note of all the little mistakes I had made…and was making…that would spoil heaven.
Before the light of faith, from the outside looking into the Christian world, I had thought the concept of sin was cruel…a punitive screed of do’s and don’ts from a harsh judge ruling from above with an iron fist.
In the light of faith and responding to Godly love, I saw the blemish my sin created on Perfect Love. Repentance finally resonated with me as the Good News. I could see a heavenly smile when I confessed that I had transgressed and when I asked forgiveness.
Not that it is all that easy!
Some days I just want to pull the covers up and make the sin go away by closing my eyes. But to the One who sees all, I am a child playing hide and seek behind the palm of my hand.
The key to this internal struggle is to remember that the call to repent is the Gospel Christ preached. It is the Good News.
Sin is unavoidable. But there is good news. The One against whom I sin, is the same One who created me, who loves me, who forgives me, who died for me.
He waits. In trust, I pull down the covers…and tell Him I’m sorry. And He smiles.
Question: Today, Lord, where do I place my trust?
PRAYER:
Lord, let me see this spiritual combat for what it is, an ongoing battle I must face every day. And, Lord, with your strength and love, let me persevere.
SCRIPTURE:
And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. [Luke 11:9-10]
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