But bea, I see it says He has PERFECTED………
This to me indicates a process that was performed. I am talking about the process, not the finished result.
I want to be good and I see a working out of my salvation, by me, in God's plan. I see God as the author of this salvation and the finisher but it seems I have to do some 'trying' to get it accomplished.
It goes along with what was said earlier in this thread. The battle is the Lord's. By the way that was an awesome explanation of how the battle is the Lord's and it is up to us to fight the good fight of faith.
If you will notice in the book of revelation you will see a picture of the Lord going forth riding a white horse with "one" crown on his head. This represents "HIS VICTORY". He won the victory over sin and death. But you will see later on in revelations there is another picture of the Lord going forth riding a white horse. But this time He is wearing "MANY CROWNS". This represents the Lord going forth within all of us. He won the battle Himself and now through His Holy Spirit He is going forth within each one of us doing battle for us. IN us. You see He came to "save us from OUR sins". As we surrender to Him. And just rest in Him. And trust Him. And Believe Him. He WILL overcome all within us. It truly is His battle. We have no right to it. We are instructed to "have faith". Be "faithful" to "believe" etc. As we give each day to the Lord, KNOWING that we are HIS RESPONSIBILITY, no matter what. A few years ago I made the decision that I would give each day to the Lord , not look beyond that day and just except what ever was in that day , no matter what. Giving every second to the Lord. I truly was amazed at how things changed in my life. I am not responsible for myself. The Lord is responsible for me.
But you know what? When Paul said to "fight the good fight of faith",,, that is not an easy thing to do. But no one said it would be easy. Especially when everything around you seems to be going wrong. We don't have to do anything except have faith,, then we are doing everything.
I have been in many situations where it was a fight to "keep my mouth shut",, to not "do anything",, to "not get involved",, to "not interfer",, wanting so bad to do whatever to make the situation right. Yes it truly is a fight to have faith enough to let God fight the battle within us and without !
