Wednesdays in the Word: M Verse

I love a verse that is both comforting and challenging at the same time. Truth be told, I like the comforting part a little bit more easily than the challenging part...but just the same, I love the verse.

Such is this verse:

Let's talk about the challenge first, shall we?

I'm not a theologian, so we won't sit here and argue through the doctrinal points of sanctification and what it means, because that could take all day long. But I can tell you that it means to be set apart and kept holy...to the core. To be sanctified completelyand be kept blameless: spirit, soul and body...is pretty all-encompassing.

What does it look like? It's all spelled out in the verses leading up to this one: respecting others...living in peace...admonishing the idle...encouraging the fainthearted...helping the weak...being patient...seeking to do good rather than evil...rejoicing always...praying always...giving thanks always...testing everything....holding onto good...avoiding bad.

And what that looks like in my head is: a lot of hard work.

That's the challenge.

Here's the comfort:

God takes the lead.

I love how that verse begins: May the God of peace Himself. He's the top of the line. He is THE one who can make all that hard work possible. Sure, we have to do our part. We have to commit to carry out the character traits and disciplines. But we do it not in our own strength...but in HIS strength.

And want a sneak peek? The next verse says, "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Living a holy life is hard work. It goes against the grain of the world we live in and {at least for me} against the grain of what I feel like doing most of the time. But how I rest in the fact that GOD in me makes it possible. He comes with peace and faithfully strengthens me to do what He asks.

I have much work to do in this department. But on the days when it feels overwhelming, I'm comforted in the challenge, by knowing God Himself leads my way.