God's Power to Transform Lives

God has proven Himself faithful and true.  The more I experience relationship with Him and the more I reflect on His track record in my life, the more I desire to share His goodness with others.  I vividly remember a season long ago, when I felt completely hopeless.  Fear and depression overwhelmed me and sin reigned in my life.  No matter how hard I tried to overcome the darkness by my own efforts, I failed miserably.  I firmly believed I would "never smile again."  Well, praise God, I got my smile back, and it just gets bigger and bigger.  I have experienced Psalms 103:11-12 in full:

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is His love for those who fear Him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

I wasted many years trying hard to overcome sin.  I read the Bible many times through and hundreds of spiritual self-help books, looking for the magical how-to check list to bring myself back into line.  I memorized Scripture and posted it throughout my home.  I made promises to God, but failed over and over, wallowing in shame and guilt.

The answer to my dilemma was there in Scripture all along.  I was trying so hard to gain victory in my own power; I missed the simple but crucial truth:  Christ in me, the hope of glory!  Colossians 1:27.  When I began to realize that my identity is not based on how hard I try, aka “works righteousness,” but instead, on the finished work of Jesus, a peace began to emerge from within.  This peace grows in my heart every day, as I look at myself through the eyes of God.  I am learning to listen to His description of me, rather than to the lies of the world and my passion is to share Gods’ goodness; His yes!  "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ."  2 Corinthians 1:20

Glory to God!!!