“I’ve got this!” Have you said that lately as a dose of self-encouragement? It’s Monday morning at work and you have a challenging 40 hours ahead. An appointment for a dental crown is staring at you from Google calendar. You need to have a difficult conversation with a son or daughter. There is an intimidating backlog of chores around the house. Taking a deep breath and saying, “I’ve got this,” may be just the push you need to get through them all.
But there is one scenario where “I’ve got this” won’t work. Overcoming sin, being in good standing with God, and having the assurance of eternal life are all things we are powerless to gain for ourselves. To think that by going to church, reading the Bible, and keeping the commandments, we can set things right with God is just lying to ourselves. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin” (Rom. 3:20). If we try to work out our own salvation, we only make things worse.
That’s why Jesus came. He says, “I’ve got this!” “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17). He kept all the commandments we break. On the cross He paid the price in full we never could. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
What lies ahead today? Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder how we look to God. Covered with Jesus’ righteousness, we are spotless in His eyes. He promises to go with us and bless whatever we do in His name. What’s more, He has even pre-arranged the good works He wants us to carry out in love for Him and our neighbor. With sins already paid for and forgiven and the Spirit’s indwelling by faith, we can say, “I’ve got this!”
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Usual service times tomorrow: 8:00 and10:45 a.m. Choir: 9:10 a.m. Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. Bible class: 9:45 a.m.
Bible class thought-starter: “Should you say ‘No’ more often? What are the signs to watch for?”
Public school confirmation class meets at 12:15 p.m.
