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So, does it seem too hard to serve like those we’ve studied these past weeks – Esther, John the Baptist, Peter, and Mary? Is it unfathomable to have an eternal perspective in the face of trials like Paul? Does living a life that reflects the holiness of your savior overwhelm or discourage you? It sounds daunting, doesn’t it? At times it may seem utterly impossible, and could cause you to give up on growing in the glorious quality of holiness.
But Jesus knew all about how difficult life would be on this fallen planet. And He’s already provided exactly what you need. First and foremost, Jesus offers forgiveness to all who place their trust in Him. Your sins, past, present, and future were forgiven because Jesus bore them for you on the cross (Romans 5:1,5,9). He conquered the power that sin has over us when He rose from the dead (Romans 5:21 and 8:2).
Also, He assured that believers were provided a “Helper,” the Holy Spirit. Jesus first mentioned the promised Helper to His disciples after they were saddened when He told them He would soon leave. To encourage them, He said, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
The Holy Spirit would be there to guide, direct, and motivate them just as Jesus had when He was physically present on this earth. As a final assurance that He wasn’t leaving the disciples without the resources they needed to serve Him, Jesus promised, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
What a relief! You have a help! Like Jesus’ early followers, you too can fulfill any service and undertaking and duty that falls on your shoulders! You have the same Helper and power that transformed the uncertain and confused followers of Christ into embolden missionaries of the Gospel. You too, can remain faithful to your declaration as a follower of Christ.
As a Christian, His goals for you are achievable because of the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. As you walk by the Spirit, and are controlled by Him, you live out Christ’s righteous character. Equipped with this power, you can live virtuously. You can live confidently and bravely. You can have a positive impact on others. You can love Jesus and glorify Him by being pure and excellent in all your ways. As the apostle Paul exhorted, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
Find more encouragement to follow in Jesus’ footsteps in my book, A Woman After God’s Own Heart.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.
