The Struggle is Real

Hola SPV family!

I hope you're all doing well in the midst of your trials and victories as you walk out this journey. Did you get easily offended this past week?  I talk a lot about love but I never said I do it all that well! LOL. One thing I love about the Scriptures is that it never sugarcoats how difficult this journey of following Jesus can be. Even Paul, who is considered to be one of the "heroes" of our faith acknowledged his struggle in Romans 7.19: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." 

Paul admits that he is in a battle to do the very things that he knows he should do and I, for one appreciate that sort of honesty. But I also appreciate the fact that he gives us some encouragement to move forward and not just accept the discouragement and defeat, but that God has provided us with help and given us a remedy. “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!...For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans‬ ‭7:24-25‬, 8.2

We can have all the best of intentions and be super disciplined, but I personally believe that only the work of the Spirit can properly empower and sustain us on this journey. So if you're struggling to love others, the answer isn't to try to love more/better but to be filled with and led by the Spirit! I hope that is encouraging to you.

I hope to see you all this Sunday as we continue our God in Film series with the movie Hidden Figures.

Much love to you all,
Chris