From the first moment of the Believer’s “new life” in Jesus Christ there is an inward
desire, a “hunger”, for fellowship with God Himself and a motivation to live a life that is
“pleasing to Him”. Enjoying His presence and following His “will” are constant points of
focus in every day. There is great joy and fulfillment in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ
as Savior!
However, for most of us, as time passes we discover that we complicate and confuse
the Christian life by reverting to what is natural to us – “self-life”. We think that we can
or must “live for Christ” in our own strength and effort. We “dedicate” and “rededicate”
our lives, but failure always follows! We prove that we cannot live the Christian life in
our own strength and ability. Frustration becomes part of our Christian experience until
God, in His patience, teaches us that our total dependence must be on His life in us –
that we are “in Christ”! Progressively we learn the basics of “The Christ-life for the selflife!”,
and, “Not I, but Christ!” We learn the truth of Galatians 2:20, and begin to take our
Biblical “position” in Christ and to “rest” in Him as our life. We begin to enjoy new
freedom and victory over the manipulation of “sin” and the “self-life”! The solution to our
problem and frustration is to discover what God has provided for every Christian!
A similar experience happens for many Believers in their desire to “serve” Christ and to
minister in His name. Sincere and lengthy attempts to “bear fruit” have often led to
frustration or what we perceive as “failure” – “I have no spiritual abilities that God can
use!” This is a very painful place for many sincere Christians. They are tempted to give
up any hope of “bearing fruit” for Christ. But once again, the solution to our problem
and frustration is to discover what God has provided for every Christian!
In the following weeks of Biblical study, we will examine the “provisions” God has made
for every Believer called “Spiritual Gifts” – His enablement for ministry in His name.
What a liberating truth it is to discover what God has provided for every Believer!