November 23 | Titus 2:11-13

“For God’s grace appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us for the purpose that we refuse ungodliness and worldly desires, we may live self-controlled and righteous and godly in the present age, waiting for the blessed hope and appearing of our glorious and great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)

When I was in Bible College, I spent many a night studying Greek and Hebrew, reading through books and hitting an invisible wall. Moments throughout the early morning I would be startled and realize I read the same sentence seven or eight times.

Have you ever tried to do an impossible task? It Kept holding you back from reaching your goal? We’ve all had moments like that. Many Christians view holiness as that elusive goal. Most give up on trying, or even accepting that it’s possible to succeed.

What they forget is that holiness is only attainable through Jesus’ grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We keep striving for holiness on our own. But the Holy Spirit is “holy” for a reason. He guides you into God’s holiness for your life.

Stop striving for something you cannot accomplish on your own. Look to Jesus for the grace and empowerment to become more like Him. Rest in Jesus’ grace to accomplish His goals in you. Let Jesus’ appearing and grace to you take its full effect.

Action Step: Stop fighting to achieve something you already have. Jesus is working His holiness in you at His pace. Trust and obey Him, and He will complete His work in you.

Jesus, I try so hard to be like You. But I have been struggling in the flesh and failing at every turn. Teach me to rest in Your grace, and trust and obey You when You tell me what to do. Thank You for Your grace that brings me into Your perfect holiness.