In the year 2000, just two years into my faith in Christ, I became a new father and my favourite scripture was:
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.
– Proverbs 13:22 (AMP)
Since that time, experience and the Word of God, have taught me that no one can be good, or righteous, or change themselves through their own willpower. It takes the humility and the help of the Holy Spirit, to continuously work together to transform us. Our role is to “seek first the Kingdom of God” (learn) and then to do the things that allow His Spirit to grow and do its work in us.
Life’s challenges (the devil’s attacks) and circumstances may make it seem impossible, but God reminds us that we “overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the lamb (God’s gracious sacrifice through Christ) and the word of our testimony (confession of our faith and trust in Christ).” – Revelation 12:11 (KJV)
Sometimes we may feel like giving up, but again God’s word, the scriptures, have the answers and tell us, through His messenger Paul (once Saul, a murderer of believers) who wrote, “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me.” – Philippians 4:13 (AMP).
Just like our bodies are sustained and strengthened by food and water, Jesus said, that His Word is bread and life and the Holy Spirit is living water.