We've already won the war.

I got to witness a beautiful picture of honesty, God's grace, and love last Wednesday night. A beloved couple in our small group (parish groups as we call them at C3) that was struggling and hurting decided to break down the walls of pride and share what's been going on in their lives. As they poured their hearts out in front of us and laid out their lives and revealed to us what was going on behind closed doors- we saw their hurt, their sin, their dirt, and ultimately Jesus Christ. Our small group is like a family and as a family of believers we're called to share the deepest darkest parts of our hearts- in order to face it and remove anything that is keeping us from Jesus. Pride is a sin- and it's a sin that keeps many people from letting down their guard and letting their Christian brothers and sisters see what's really happening in their hearts. When that couple revealed the darkest parts of their hearts to us- we loved them more. No condemning, no judging- we loved them more because of their honesty and their desire to get right with God. They painted a picture of a true man of God and a true woman of God- they're broken- but still fighting and clinging to the cross and the promises in the Bible. We're all broken. But what makes you a man or woman of Christ- is daring to face your sin head on and fight it- with all your strength and the tools that God has given you- the truths of the Bible, a Gospel-centered preacher, and a church family that loves you unconditionally. The Christian life isn't easy. It's messy. It's ugly. It's hard. It's a battle. When Satan starts dealing out lies- tearing you down- you have to get mad and scream "no!" and fill your mind and your heart with truth. The truth of the Bible is unshakable. Jesus is unshakable. God is unshakable. We've already won the war.

"As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me..."
 Psalm 55: 16-18