On this blog, I talk a lot about what is wrong and I talk a lot about what is right, based on God’s word. One reason for this is to by comparison, acknowledge the brokenness of humanity.

When I highlight problems, it is not to bash people or to try to shame them. It is me acknowledging problems and acknowledging the solution, which is Jesus Christ.

What is wrong in the world? What in the world is wrong? People have gone their own ways. Yet, God’s ways work.

Another reason for speaking on these issues is that my goal is to push God’s truth in this dark world, in order to encourage others. My aim is to push truth in a dark world where often, the light of God’s truth is suppressed.

We are in a battle, and the battle is between good and evil. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6: 12.

The battle is real. Temptation is real. The struggle is real. I know these things are real for others as well as for myself. I am an imperfect person, despite my best (and worst) efforts. No person can truthfully say that they have arrived at perfection. I am not perfect, but my goal is to do right, to become better, according, to the will of God.

When Jesus was on earth, He was tempted also, but without sin. He knows the struggle (Hebrews 4: 15).

He knows my faults; yet, He loves me. I am encouraged in knowing that when I confess my faults He will forgive me and cleanse me of unrighteousness (1 John 1: 9).

The blood of Jesus Christ washes away sins. This is the most encouraging thing. However, it is necessary to believe on Jesus and trust in Him as Lord and Savior (John 3: 18).

It is also encouraging for people who are struggling with sin, to know that that they are not alone. Many people struggle with the following:

Anger

Bitterness

Aggression

Violence

Unforgiveness

Lust (I am not speaking of God-given sex drive, which is a good thing)

Sexual perversion

Covetousness

Laziness

Radical feminism

Misogyny

There are many other issues that people struggle with. Guess what? God is in the business of changing hearts and minds. For those who desire it, they can be changed.

It is important not to give up on becoming better. When a person feels like giving up and believes that they will never do better, this could be due to feelings of shame that arise from repeatedly sinning.

Contrarily, rather than giving up on the idea that one cannot change, the key is surrender and repentance. We are all called to repentance.

I know that I must surrender to God and allow Him to empower me to do the right things, because my flesh is weak. I will always fail when I attempt to do things in my own strength. I’m not living a “crazy” life, doing “crazy” things, but that’s besides the point.

I need improvement. Because I do not rely on my own strength, but God’s, I don’t lose hope or faith that I can continue to change for the better with the help of the Holy Spirit, who indwells born again sons and daughters of God.

“And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.” Ephesians 1: 13 (NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit is the one who gives His people power to change:

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Romans 8:13 (KJV).

There is hope! People go through many different situations and events in their lives. Their circumstances shape them. Various personalities, different strengths and weaknesses, different backgrounds all affect how individuals struggle.

It is important not to give up on understanding that necessary change is very possible! No matter what you have done wrong or are doing wrong, you can be changed by God- if you surrender to Him and let Him change you. He will not force anyone.

Be encouraged that one can give up on his or her own strength and surrender to God, relying on His power, His strength to help, heal and deliver them.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8: 1.