Something Missing

God uses all things for good.

As I have spent the last few months processing the reality of living with muscular dystrophy, God has spoken directly into how that physical condition is representative of the spiritual condition I have often found myself in.

Let me explain first what exactly is going on physically. This is a genetic disorder where the mutation basically makes it so the muscle cell membranes are faulty. What this means is that when muscle tissue breaks down like it usually does with normal use and exercise, it cannot rebuild itself properly and this causes weakening rather than the strengthening effect that normally happens.

Okay folks, I hope you are still following me.

In our walk with Jesus, it sometimes seems like there is something missing too. We work and work and work, but there seems to be no fruit, no growth, and, at times, that we are even going backwards. We get things in our minds, but it doesn't translate into transformation. Why is this? What is missing?

Is it discipline? I don't think so. Is it prayer? I'd be the first one to say there is a lack of prayer but that isn't exactly the answer to this question.

I think it is a Galatians 2:20 heart. We are still fighting to live for ourselves. We don't die so that Jesus can live in us and exert His power through us. We are weak because we don't let Jesus be strong.

When Jesus tells Paul that His grace is sufficient for the trials and daily grind, Paul gets it: " Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

The something missing is the power and life of Jesus. The troubles and trials will come. Jesus told us they would. The daily grind takes our hearts out. But Jesus has overcome, so must choose to die to myself so that Christ may live and reign. There lies the key to growth and sanctification.