VANQUISHING THE ENEMY
Humanistic concepts that seep into our minds, as Christians who are in the world but not to be of the world, need to be recognized, repudiated and replaced with Christ-centered truth. The idea of, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” and the entire self-made man mentality are shattered through real-life failure and suffering and a life lived in true dependence on You emerges. Trust shifts from our human resources to the resources of the living, indwelling Lord Jesus. Genuine hope in Your supernatural processes replaces the false hope we had in natural processes. Life begins to be lived and goals achieved “by grace through faith” rather than “by works through human effort”.
As success comes and dreams are realized, an attitude of gratitude is expressed, not pride. Thanksgiving overflows from the heart to You, Lord, and praise is given spontaneously for there is no longer any confusion over who did it. You and You alone! We now consciously realize we are nothing more than “branches in the Vine, available to Your life flowing through us. The phrases in classic Christian writings, such as “A channel for You to flow through”, “A vessel for You to fill”, “A glove over Your hand”, “An instrument for You to use” make sense and take on concrete reality.
The catalyst (something that initiates or causes an important event to happen) of suffering has brought the Christian into a real experience of his oneness with Christ. Now we know that He not only died for us, but we died with Him! And the same power that raised him from the dead raised us up to walk in a new life; His life in us! (Rom 6:4)
Your ultimate goal is being achieved, not just our financial independence, but, more importantly, our conformity to the image of Jesus Christ! The glory is solely and wholly Yours, not mixed with our self-effort.