What does Jesus think about us when we are struggling?
When it seems like our faith is faltering, when our obedience needs a jump start, when we’ve been wounded by our own choices, how will Jesus treat us?
Will He abandon us because of our failures?
That’s a fear for many Christians because, although we’ve been set free from sin, the process of being made holy can be a long, up and down battle.
Our Christian walk can sometimes look more like the awkward steps of a toddler than the confident steps of a soldier of the Lord.
So for us these words about Christ can be an encouragement...
Matthew 12:20
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory
When you are bruised by your sin or when the wick of your faith flickers, you don’t have to fear that Jesus is going to snuff you out, that He’s going to see you as a sheep too broken for His perfect flock.
Christ never abandons His sheep. He never forsakes a friend.
In fact, He stays with them until victory comes. He will bring justice to victory in your heart.
He is our shepherd not because we’re perfect but because we need to be guided out of the shadow of death. We need to be led to still waters. We need someone to make us lie down in green pastures.
This doesn’t mean we take our sin lightly, it’s exactly the opposite. Christ’s continued love is made amazing because our sin is such a big deal.
Let Christ’s constant faithfulness encourage you. When you’re fighting against sin, you are not alone.
And let his constancy inspire you, get up. Run from sin and seek to love Christ the way that He lives you.
And do it all with faith, Christ will lead you to victory. He will watch over you until justice reigns in you.
