Insecurity often results from feeling like we’ve been put on the shelf and forgotten by God. But the fact is that sometimes He needs to do just that! Regardless, it can be really painful, because it feels like we’ve somehow been overlooked. These times come in the life of every Christian. It’s merely God’s way of reducing us to a state of total dependence, so that He can use us in some greater way later.

The Lord tells us not to be anxious in these moments. Rather we must let the peace of God rule in our heart, always being thankful. Gratefulness is the tonic that helps ward off any anxiety or depression which might result from our circumstances, whether those feelings stem from being shelved or otherwise. It’s important to be thankful, because only then can God give us the peace needed to wait patiently for His direction.

 From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

How could God use me? How can He possibly use somebody with so many weaknesses? God doesn’t look at it like that. He has a place for us, and has gifted each of us accordingly. So bloom where you’re planted, no matter who you are or what insecurities you may have. Even a guy like Paul had his problems. It appears that somewhere along the line God needed to reduce him to a point of utter helplessness.

Why would He do that? Because in order to be effective, Paul had to be a vessel capable of radiating God’s power. Since it’s impossible for God to work through a prideful vessel, human weakness seems to be necessary. Apparently God wants us in a state of total dependence on Him, rather than on our own abilities. Jesus puts it this way: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)

Think about what a woman values most. The husband often believes it’s what he gives her: his time, gifts, treating her with love and respect, and providing for the family. But none of that matters much if she feels that he does not desire emotional intimacy with her. First on her list is sensing that he wants to be with her. She needs to know that he wants her above all else. If she feels like he’s merely trying to fulfill some sort of obligation, she won’t respond like she would if his motivation was desire for her alone.

So it is with God. Like many husbands, we busy ourselves with lots of things in our attempt to please God. But are those things really all that valuable if our motivation stems from an attempt to satisfy some requirement, rather than from a sincere desire for intimacy with Him?

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Attempting to gain acceptance from God by our own goodness merely results in dependence on law as the basis for our righteousness. But trying to earn our own way is at best an exercise in futility. God, knowing the limitations of our flesh, resolved this issue once and for all by laying in us the foundation of His holiness. Only through God’s holiness can we build a life pleasing to Him.

So we’ve got to get over the idea that we somehow now have the power to establish our own holiness. What it’s really about is having the Holy Spirit within—the righteousness of Christ Himself—which gives us the ability to make godly choices. What, then, is our obligation in pursuing holiness? Most importantly, we are to “set our minds on the things above,” for God assures us that “the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” Colossians 3: 1-4

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

I doubt that Paul had huge personal problems with sin. Still, he had the wisdom to realize what lived on in his flesh—this “bondage to sin,” as he describes it. He knew that pride—the underlying root of all sin—remained a powerful enemy which could resurface at any moment. Even though he had become that new creature in Christ, Paul makes it very clear that he carried his old man—his flesh—into his new life in the Lord.

It’s a problem for us, isn’t it. Regardless, Paul totally understood the issue: “It’s not really me doing it, “but sin which dwells in me (Romans 7:17, 20).” Instead of finding fault with who we have now become in Christ, Paul lays the blame for this weakness at sin’s door. It’s not “the devil made me do it” syndrome. It’s simply me: “I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin” (Romans 7:14).

Besetting sin is one our most daunting challenges. It’s the kind of sin that doesn’t happen once or twice, but a recurring problem you just can’t seem to conquer. When I received Christ, much of my sinful behavior simply seemed to drop off. I just didn’t have a problem with certain things anymore. But other weaknesses persisted, causing me to fall into the same old sin time and again. “Well, you had the choice,” you might say. I sure did! But because the temptations seemed so overwhelming, I kept making the wrong choice.

Why would God give me instant relief from some weaknesses, while allowing others to remain? It’s because of choice. The weakness of our flesh presents us with choices to make. It’s simply a part of God’s plan. We have a rocky road to travel. And our choices along the way reveal a lot about our faith.

From Free from the Power of Sin: the Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Jesus wants us to be constantly moving forward with Him. Discovering God’s purpose for our life is kind of like driving a car. It’s impossible to steer a car that’s standing still, but easy to maneuver once you give it the gas. Yet being in motion isn’t the only issue; reliable steering is also vital to our progress. We must not only step out, but be willing to be steered if we are ever to get where we need to go.

It’s like a ship on the open sea. If its rudder is broken, it doesn’t matter if the engine is pushing it forward.  It will drift wherever the wind carries it. Thus shipwreck is unavoidable. But if the ship can be steered while under power, its direction can be changed at key navigation points, bringing it safely to harbor—even if it starts out heading in the wrong direction.

Can we bear fruit without being personally transformed? Yes, if we’re willing to settle for a skimpy crop. But we won’t be successful in producing what Jesus wants—“much fruit.” God wants to see us radically changed. And since we know we can’t transform ourselves, He must have a method to bring it about. God has His part in the process, and we’ve got ours.

If transformation is ever to happen, we must cooperate with God as He goes about working in our life. For us, it’s all about choice! But we often have to come to the end of ourselves—finally fed up with failure—before we are able to make that commitment. You may be at that point in your life right now! If so, unconditionally give yourself over to God, and then take action by walking in obedience. Remember, this is a choice we make day by day.

A fruitful relationship with Jesus can never be built only by attempting to obey God. Though obedience certainly has its place, relationship based on it alone will never succeed. Genuine fruitfulness can be achieved only one way: immersing ourselves in the very life of His Spirit—communing with God. Jesus wants us to “abide in Him.”

But how do we do this? First and foremost, personal time spent with God is indispensable. On a human level, have you ever heard of a strong relationship being built without the investment of time spent together? Genuine friendship is impossible without such a commitment. Just like in any human relationship, our bond with God depends on personal interaction. And it needs to be a two-way street—not only speaking to God, but also listening with the expectation that He intends to speak back. It often happens as we meditate in Scripture.

Is holiness something we are in Christ or something we need to become? Though a foundation of holiness has been laid in us by virtue of the fact that we now are God’s possession, Scripture makes it clear that something is still missing. Time and again we are exhorted to live a holy life. And that means that the sins of the flesh must be forsaken.

There’s no question that living a holy life is expected. And if expected, it must be attainable (not the impossibility of being sin-free, but definitely that of being self-controlled). It’s the whole point of living a godly life. Attempting to please God by walking out our faith in a manner worthy of Him is not easy. It’s takes effort. But we need to remember that God has accepted us. Pleasing God is a whole lot different from trying to become acceptable to Him.