OUTDOOR TRUTHS

My preferred exercise is bike riding. One particular ride is short in distance but difficult in effort. Here I was climbing this hill, my legs hurting, my heart racing, and my Garmin watch telling me that my heartbeat was on the "easy" side. I wanted to reach the aerobic level, but it was telling me in essence that while you're struggling, this should really be easy. At that moment I was reminded of the young boxer who was taking on the world champion. The youngster was getting pummeled by the champ during the first round. At the end of the round, he went to his corner. His encouraging manager said, "You're doing great. He hasn't laid a hand on you!" To which the young boxer replied, "Then keep an eye on the referee, because somebody is beating the daylights out of me." I wanted to find out whose arm my watch was on. Because whatever I was doing it was not easy.

I think about this same scenario in my Christian life. If you're a Christian, you do too. What we want to be easy is anything but easy. And to be honest, many have quit trying. Not because of a lack of desire, but because of overwhelming guilt coming from one failure after another. If that's you I have some good news. Quitting is the best thing you can do. But if you quit the right way, there will be no guilt. Let me explain. The Apostle Paul quit too. In fact, because he quit, he was then able to live the life God wanted him to live. To the Roman church he said this. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Rom 7:18-19 NLT) Does this sound like you? Well let me show you what he did. "For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So, I died to the law. I stopped trying to meet all its requirements so that I might live for God." (Gal 5:19 NLT) There you have it. He tried. He failed. He quit. He lived for God.

The truth is, the Christian life is not hard to live. It's impossible. Naturally, anyways. And that's why Paul quit. He was trying to do something naturally that could only be done supernaturally. So, he quit and decided to just let Christ live through him and bring about what ever He wanted to in his life. After Paul quits, he says this. (the very next verse)" I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 5:20 NIV) And this is when he experienced freedom and ease. So, my friend, if you're struggling with guilt from your inability to live the Christian life, you are in good company. If you want to stay in that same company as Paul, move where he moved. To the unemployment line. God will take it from there.

Gary Miller

gary@outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men's events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org