Well, here it goes again, an attempt to start afresh! I’m not sure why we get so caught up on New Year’s resolutions, when we can simply just rest in God’s mercies, which never come to an end, and are new every morning. I don’t know why we can be so hard on ourselves at times but we are. What I do know is that I do have struggles, and I will rejoice in this season. I’m thankful that my weaknesses are allowing me to draw nearer to the only One who can help me. I do believe God will help me to overcome these struggles. The struggle of I can’t, the struggle of hopelessness, the struggle of failing over and over, the struggle of trying to do it in my own strength. Do you ever feel this way?
Something I’ve been thinking about lately despite my struggles, is how much God loves us and wants to be in our lives. I’ve also been thinking about how God is a God of order and He cares about details. I’m remembering the story of Cain and Abel. In the book of Genesis, we find two brothers presenting an offering up to the Lord:
Gen 4:1 – Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the LORD.”Gen 4:2 – Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Gen 4:3 – And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Gen 4:4 – Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, Gen 4:5 – but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. Gen 4:6 – So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? Gen 4:7 – “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
These two sons were the children of Adam and Eve, who walked with God closely before the fall. I can’t help but think about the things their parents taught them. Maybe they told the story about how God graciously covered them with animal skin after they had sinned and tried to cover themselves up. Maybe they taught them to offer up sacrifices and to give God their first fruits, undoubtedly! I’m sure they were taught so many wonderful things. I think about how I have learned from people that have taught me from their own error, they are just so much wiser, and plead with passion that we don’t make the same mistakes.
As I think about these two brothers, I wonder what could have taken place in their heart that motivated their actions. Cain was the older brother and I wonder if he had some kind of pride built up within or maybe he grew weary with expectations. Did he grow bitter and forget that God was near? Did he allow himself to get caught up in religion? Then we have Abel, the younger who had much faith, and maybe his relationship with God was afresh, you know the way we felt when we first came to know our Savior? Was he motivated by the grace God had shown to his parents? Did he keep this deep down in his heart, desiring to please God? What we do know is that Abel’s offering was accepted by God. We know Cain wasn’t too happy, it goes on to say that he was angry, and that his countenance fell and then God lovingly meets him there and He says to Cain, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” These were the words echoed in my heart today.
I don’t know what your relationship looks like right now, but as I think about these two brothers, I’m reminded of how God has His eyes on us too and in the same way God provided a way out for Cain, He graciously provides a way of escape for us too. The question is, will we look for another way in the midst of madness or confusion or sorrow, or trials? Sadly Cain gives in to his sin, allowing it to control him and he murders his brother Abel. What will you do? Will you remember this story and remember that God always provides another way?
I’m encouraged by the Holy Spirit who brought God’s word to my mind in the midst of my feelings. I want to please the One who gave me life, the One who never changes. I want to give Him all the glory. We have a God who cares about us so much, who wants to give us good gifts, who wants a relationship with us and has already provided a way through Jesus Christ. If we allow Him to reign over us, to the depths of our heart, mind and soul, will it not go well? Will we not be accepted. If we have accepted His gracious gift, His son, our Savior Jesus, do we not have everything? Do we not have His power, the same power that conquered death? Can we not overcome all things? We certainly can!
Whatever you may be facing, remember Paul’s words to the Philippians…
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We all struggle with something but God always has a plan and He has already given us all we need through Jesus Christ and we can overcome all things and do those things that please Him. Just do your best, don’t look at everyone else, don’t compare, but do your best unto the Lord. Let God’s words resonate in your heart, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?”
In Christ’s love,
Mary
