September 10

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. — Rom 8:37 BSB

Those who are unaware of their own heart, their own weaknesses, their own inner or outward failings, know nothing of the deep mysteries of super-abounding grace, of the secret power of atoning blood, or of the Spirit’s inward testimony. They simply cannot. It’s only as we are emptied of self in all its forms that we can be filled from the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Now perhaps you, my friend (and in speaking to one, I aim to speak to many others), are a poor, tempted soul, and your constant sorrow is how quickly you’re overcome by temptation. Your temper, your lusts, your pride, your worldliness, and your carnal, corrupt heart seem to continually gain the upper hand. And from this, you sometimes draw bitter conclusions. You ask yourself, “Can I truly be a child of God and yet struggle like this? What evidence do I have of God’s favor when I’m so easily and repeatedly defeated?”

But let me direct your thoughts to the end. What is the outcome of these defeats? Remember this vital truth—one we learn slowly—that in order to truly overcome, we must first be overcome. There’s no building up a stockpile of strength, gradually adding to it, and then gaining victory by our own resolutions or innate power. That kind of so-called holiness might look respectable, even under a gospel appearance, but it only conceals the rot of the flesh beneath.

Remember, the path to victory involves knowing our weakness, and we only come to know our weakness when it’s exposed in the depths of our conscience. We cannot learn it from others; it must be felt within our own souls, often in painful ways. But these painful experiences, when felt in a tender conscience, lead us more humbly and more dependently to the Lord of life and glory to receive from His fullness. In this way, every defeat ultimately ensures victory. As the Apostle says, “In all these things, we are more than conquerors.” How? Through our own resolutions or wisdom? No, “through Him who loved us.” There is no other way to overcome but through the strength of Jesus, made perfect in our weakness.