Begun and Finished by Faith
Adapted from Closer to God Each Day
Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?
Paul asked the Galatians a question I think it is important we ask ourselves today: Having begun our new lives in Christ by dependence on the Spirit, are we now trying to live them in the flesh?
Just as we are saved by grace (God’s unmerited favor) through faith, and not by works of the flesh (Ephesians 2:8–9), we draw close to God each day through faith. We can begin each day by saying, “Lord, today I depend on You once again. It’s not about what I can do in my own strength; it’s about what You call me to do in Your strength.”
When we were saved, we were in no condition to help ourselves. Only pride, or a lack of proper knowledge, could make us feel differently today—we are still in no condition to help ourselves. But thankfully, we are in perfect condition to depend on God to be everything we need. As long as we look to Him, trusting His perfect work in our lives, we can relax and really enjoy the life Jesus died to give us.
Living in the flesh—doing things in our own effort—leads to frustration. But living in the Spirit—obeying, trusting, and depending on God—brings joy unspeakable. The next time you feel frustrated you might stop and ask yourself what you are trying to do without leaning on God, and you will probably find the source of your frustration.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, I surrender my own efforts and choose to depend on You today. Help me walk in the Spirit, trust Your strength, and live the joyful life You’ve given me, amen.
