Peace and holiness, both seem out of reach from time to time. Peace seems so momentarily elusive. It is felt for the moment and then, boom. It’s attacked upon by the enemy and his agents. Holiness seems the same way. The more I experience the more I empathize and confess in prayer Paul’s words from Roman’s 7:15 “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”
Thankfully feelings and my inability to understand “things” are the the anchor of the soul. Jesus is. Jesus’ heart trumps all else. Jesus has empowered me to do that which He calls me to do in His Word.
So when His Word calls me to strive for peace with everyone, I have strength and power in Holy Spirit to do so. I have the freedom to seek empowerment and anointing during tough times not an excuse to get away with avoiding obedience to the Lover of my soul.
When seeking holiness I need not rely on my good works or lack there of, but to rest and rely exclusively on His finished redemptive and reconciling sacrifice on the cross.
So while there may be momentary struggles, there is eternal hope in Christ. And He who started this good work will surely finish it. In Christ alone my hope is found.
Nate Staton 