But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! —1 Corinthians 15:57
We can do everything conceivable to force mature behavior from ourselves. We can make promises and mean well. We can get enough sleep and maintain a healthy blood pressure. We can even cram Scripture into our heads daily. But unless we lean on Jesus for the power to put these truths into practice, we won’t be able to find sustainable victory. Spirit-produced self-control will elude us unless we’re continually calling out to Him for the transformation He alone can bring.
When the man once known as Legion saw Jesus at a distance, he cried out for help (Mark 5:7). A short time before, in their storm-tossed boat, Jesus’ disciples had done the same (Matt. 8:25). In both cases, Jesus heard their cry and stepped into their crisis. And when all was finished, order was restored. Peace and quiet replaced panic and chaos.
The enemy of our souls is doing a number on the minds of people today. And only the presence and power of Christ can restore us to our right minds.
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Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together
©2017 Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Ask God to help you rely on Christ alone to help you practice self-control and experience peace in the midst of life’s crises.