“And I know that nothing good lives in me, in my
sinful nature. I want to do what is
right, but I can’t. I want to do what is
good, but don’t. I don’t want to do what
is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I
do what I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it
is sin living in me that does it.”
Romans 7:18-20
As I finish day 5 of fasting
I am even more aware of the internal battle that exists
inside of me; the fight between right and wrong, darkness and light,
selfishness
and selflessness. I can relate
to the words of Paul as he struggles to follow the better path. This is the good fight. But as I enter into a better place and
exercise the spiritual discipline of fasting I am sensing that God is
near. I can feel the peace of His
presence and the assurance that He is near.
Looking back to my youth, I
remember the dreams and hopes that at times seemed naive to an adult with responsibilities. As I make space and listen to His voice, those
thoughts and dreams are returning.
Today I read through the genealogy
of Noah in Genesis 10. Listed there are generations
and generations of people who have come and gone. Some were noted for their accomplishments or
character while others were just listed names.
It made me think of my genealogy. I am Michael, son of Patrick, son of Robert, whose
father we do not know. Three generations
from now what will my great grandson or granddaughter know of me? What will last?
Tonight as I think about
this, I hope what will last is heart. I
hope that I am described as “Michael, who listened to the still small voice of
God and had the courage to follow it. He
loved those around him the way Jesus loved and he walked in the light.” What else will last? More important, do I have the courage to
choose the better way?
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