Promised, Not Just Possible

By By Beth Matheson, Writer for Wycliffe Women of the Word

Post date: Sept. 16, 2019

I need to try harder.

It’s too hard to try.

There are times I’ve had both these thoughts as I’ve attempted to live a godly life.

According to 1 Peter 1:15, holiness isn’t optional for God’s children: “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (NLT). That’s a huge statement — one that can feel overwhelming when we begin to think of all the ways we’re still missing the mark. With our eyes on our failures, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we either need to perform better (believing we can work ourselves into holiness), or give up entirely (believing that living in “grace and authenticity” means becoming comfortable with our sin). But both of these self-motivated paths end in shame rather than transformation.

To be truly transformed we need to realize that the Lord has not just called us to godliness; he has equipped us for it. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that “by his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence” (NLT).

He has given us everything we need to live a godly life!

He has removed our condemnation (Romans 8:1) and filled us with the Holy Spirit’s power, which is “... the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:19-20, NLT).

Our ability to live surrendered to God’s will — to be living translations of the Good News of freedom in Jesus — isn’t just possible; it’s promised. The Holy Spirit’s power, which is a death-to-life power, constantly transforms us, and he’ll be faithful to finish the work he began as we obey him one small moment at a time.

Questions for Reflection:

• How do you tend to react when you think about all the ways you’re still missing the mark in your attempt to live a godly life? In what ways have you tried to work yourself into holiness? In what areas have you become comfortable with your sin?

• How have you seen God’s death-to-life transformation in yourself? Where have you already surrendered to him and experienced his victory?

• Find a quiet moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where he desires for you to grow in Christlikeness by transforming your thoughts, words and behavior.

Don’t forget to dive deeper into what it looks like to grow in grace and Christlikeness through our devotional!

Para leer el devocional en Español oprima aquí.