“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15
The struggle is real, Paul….I hear ya. One of the biggest strivings of every Christian is to know Jesus and to be more like Him. So why is it so darn hard to change our mindsets on things and to act or speak differently?…
To do that which you know you want to do instead of doing that which you hate?
I came across a verse in Isaiah that I’d never noticed before:
“he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:15
I have never seen this concept spelled out quite as blatant. It is smack dab in the middle of a chapter where Isaiah is describing the current times of the people: they are liars, murders, idol worshipers, scheming against one another, running to evil and causing all sorts of destruction. Then this statement…… “he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.”
Isaiah is saying to them and to us: don’t be like these people, turn from your transgressions….BUT….you will become prey…
At some point in our lives we have to decide if Jesus is truly worth it. Because if you make a decision to change something in your life to align with scripture, an attitude, a habit, a sin, a lifestyle….you will become prey.
Is He…..worth IT?
Isaiah goes on to explain how when God saw that there was no righteousness or justice He brought about salvation by His own arm to Him, speaking of Jesus.
“He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.”
Is He ….worth IT?
Because Jesus died for us…His same armor given to Him by His Father, is now offered to us:
Paul tells us to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” Ephesians 6:13
What is the armor?
The belt of truth
The breastplate of righteousness
The shoes of the gospel of peace
The Shield of Faith
The Helmet of Salvation
The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
Is Jesus worth it?
YES! He IS worth becoming prey for because He has won for us the armor that allows us to withstand the predator. We don’t bow down to evil….we step out of it. We make ourselves known as followers of truth and righteousness and we ready ourselves with the incorruptible armor won for us by our Almighty Jesus.
You cannot change or fight on your own…..it truly does start on your knees and in the Word. I am convinced that battles are won on our knees before they even begin.
Jesus, let me….let us be a people who turn from evil knowing there may be some fear and there may be some trembling…but you have clothed us in your armor to withstand every scheme of the devil. YOU are so worth it all, Jesus. Amen!