Wildlife officials in my town tried in vain to save a duck that had an arrow sticking through its breast. She flew away whenever their nets came close. It’s hard to blame the frightened fowl. She didn’t understand that the same self-reliance that normally kept her alive was now preventing her from receiving the help she needed.
We are that duck. Crippled by the self-inflicted wound of our sin, we stubbornly think we can survive by trying harder. But every flap of our wings sucks the arrow in deeper, and if we don’t get the help we need we will die in our sin.
The first step to being a Christian is admitting that we can’t fix ourselves. John Calvin observed, “The one who has been completely reduced to nothing and has given up . . . is fitly prepared to receive the fruits of God’s mercy. For in proportion as someone relies on himself, by so much he puts obstacles to God’s grace.”
Salvation is for “quitters.” Only those who give up on their ability to please God are ready to embrace the gospel. The gospel is not about what we can do for God but what God has done for us. It’s the good news that “Christ died for our sins . . . was buried, and . . . was raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). But we won’t trust this work of Jesus unless we concede that we’re spiritually bankrupt, hopelessly “dead because of our sins” (Ephesians 2:5). We won’t give ourselves to Christ until we first give up on ourselves.
The gospel is counter-intuitive. What serves us well in most areas of life can be a disaster in our walk with Jesus. The normal secret to success is to try harder. The secret of salvation is to stop trying to do it by ourselves.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 18:1-24
More:
Check out the connection between grief and love seen in King David’s life (2 Samuel 18:33).
Next:
How has God’s love helped you in the loss of someone you loved? What is your future hope, even as you feel the pangs of grief?
will77 on September 21, 2011 at 6:05 am
This is one area where I know Ive strugled with a lot. I deffenately feel like the duck with the arrow in it. Let go and Let God I would hear that often in my young life and it use to anoy me. My life has been like a roller coaster, I am completely aware that I can not fix myself, or anyone else for that matter. I cry out to God in my many weaknesses and I just remain weak. I look around at most people in my church and there running so strong and so feirce like a mighty stallion moving forward over comming and Im like a donkey trailing behind, barely able to stand. Husband father of three with a very rebellious in your face 17yr old son. The sins I repeat I know only God can remove and give me victory I just hope im alive to experience it. God has been with me through my often troubled life, without Him I would be dead. I will just keep on crying out and seeking Him I have no hope in me. My nly hope is in Christ…Thanks for the reminder to rest in Him
daleproulx on September 21, 2011 at 7:23 am
Brother,
I also am a husband and father with three children the oldest who is seventeen. Our struggle is with our youngest daughter who is nine and has emotional and behavioral issues. While it is hard my wife and I are united and we comfort ourselves that this is God’s plan for our family. Perhaps His desire is to grow us, humble us, and to have us rely more fully on Him.
I suspect that you long for the strength and peace that you judge others in your church possess. While it is tempting to compare ourselves to others no good fruit is borne from it. Each of us is on our own journey.
We have a good counselor and many good supports which help to have us not feeling so isolated, alone, overwhelmed, and helpless (though we still struggle with these feelings). From our experience I recommend professional help.
May God bless and keep you and your family.
In Christ,
Dale
GChoo on September 21, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Mike, thanks for reminding us that salvation is what God has done for us and not how much good we do to deserve it. I am very grateful to God for the gift of salvation.
I have lost a younger brother 2 years ago, and just yesterday i have lost a neighbour i have known for 7 years. I know i can trust God because before my brother died he told me he gave his life to Jesus. And as for my neighbour, i have not been told by her when i visited her in hospital. However, when her daughter told me about her death and that she passed away peacefully i believe she did receive God’s salvation. I believe from my past personal sharing of the gospel, our concern and prayers for them God will do the rest.
It is not easy to be parents, we definitely need to keep close to God’s Word for wisdom, love and understanding to guide our children. Teenagers are the hardest and the best of parents can also have difficulties. So Will77, don’t be discouraged and keep on being there for the children, they will feel it even though they don’t show it. It is not easy but keep praying to God for love, patience and understanding. As for your personal struggle, do know that whether we are christians or not we will not avoid problems living in this fallen world. The people in the church you think may be well and strong may also have struggles of their own. Their strength is in our gracious and merciful God and also knowing the need to seek help as what Dale did in his own experience.
Keeping you and your family in prayers.
winn collier on September 21, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Salvation is for quitters.
Love that.
bearpair on September 21, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Mike, love the teaching on a subject we all need regularly! My only comment, which is admittedly a minor one, is that the analogy breaks down a bit: the duck obviously didn’t self-inflict the arrow, even tho’ our sinfulness certainly is self-inflicted. Thanks for the good instruction!
mike wittmer on September 21, 2011 at 8:27 pm
bearpair:
You’re right! All analogies break down somewhere, and you found it on this one.
Will77:
I wouldn’t be too impressed by the other Christians around you. We’re all very good at putting up a good front. I’d bet my house that many of the ones who appear to have it all together are struggling with sins and issues that you would never suspect.
We all need to start each day by quitting. Tell God that we just don’t have it today, and would he please carry us. I know I get in trouble when I start my day thinking that I’ve “got this one.”
will77 on September 22, 2011 at 6:56 am
Thank You
I appreciate all the encouragement and prayers
Have a blessed day