And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, [Eph 2:1-4 NASB]
Paul describes a graphic state of man apart from God. Because of their sinful condition, Paul says the real picture of humanity is lost. Only the dishonest think they are sinless. If the story ended at verse 3, it would be reason for all of us to lose heart. But the two words that begin verse 4 change everything…”But God…”
The four gospels are full of stories where men and women faced horrible situations in their lives; sick children, deceased children, those caught in the act of immoral sin, trouble in the home, and more bad situations. Yet people had heard that there was a prophet named Jesus who was performing miracles. And in the midst of their pain, grief, and confusion they thought maybe this Jesus could do something for them. They thought, “my life is awful, BUT GOD could help me!” And one after another came to this man Jesus, and what seemed to be an unavoidable calamity, was met with a miracle.
People flocked to Jesus Christ – mainly because they needed Him-but when they came, they heard the word of God. They were changed. People like you and me went looking for JESUS. Why??? Because they needed Him. They were smart enough to know they had great needs. The storms of life were bad… “But God” could do something. And so they came to him by the thousands!! And they did not leave disappointed.
The only ones who did not make the journey to get their critical needs met were the proud religious people. Those with too high a religious reputation to uphold never came.. But the humble came. And Jesus met them powerfully. “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” [Jas 4:6 NKJV]. To resist here means “to arrange in battle against.” God stands ready to receive and give grace to the one who humbles himself, but arranges a conflict to the one who is too proud to admit his/her need of Him.
God wants to help you. He stands ready to change the course of your misery. Life has crises, BUT GOD is here! Do whatever it takes to humble yourself and go to Him. He will not disappoint you.