No Striving

I listened to a teaching, well, an interview, today by Pastor Mark from Champions Church (see link for his radio/tv show). He interviewed a TWELVE year old boy from his church who has captured the message of the cross. This message is so simple, yet so timeless, that a young child can understand it. I can do NOTHING, as was made evident yesterday as I stumbled and fell. Yet, when I awoke this morning, I accepted the mercies of God and sat at the cross. I listened to Him, enjoyed His presence throughout the day. There is no guilt, no shame; just the knowledge that Christ forgave me at the cross--my sins are washed away and I can come before Him clothed in white robes of righteousness. I have an understanding of the message that needs to be delivered to a lost world--even within the church. I have a fire in my bones to preach this message to those in similar bondages that I have experienced. I don't have to be perfect--I can't be perfect this side of glory--but I have to daily dwell in the grace and mercy that Christ offers at the cross. One of my favorite songs contains the following verse: What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease; my comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I stand (In Christ Alone, Newsboys). I cannot, but HE can and does. My striving will get me nowhere but tired, frustrated, and depressed. When I sit at the foot of the cross, relying on His grace and mercy, I am refreshed, renewed, and uplifted.