It has been said that the Christian experience is one of paradox. A paradox can be defined as “any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.” (Online Source)
Corrupt passions and remaining sin are at work in even the most “spiritual” among us.
Can you think of anyone more spiritual than the Apostle Paul? He said, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19).
What fallen creatures we are. Do we really need further evidence of our bondage to sin?
But let us give thanks to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! He has rescued us from this body of death! (Romans 7:24-25).
Oh yes, it is a fact: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18).
But, this is the truth: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Though I still, as a Christian, do those things that “I do not want to do” the One who calls me is faithful and He will do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
I am a paradox but He never changes.
If “he” never changes, why pray?
Because you do.
God’s immutability does not negate His providential government of and interaction with His Creation in time and space. Nor does such deny His eternal decree – His eternal decree of all things establishes His interaction – it does not deny it. His eternal decree establishes “means” for the decree’s fulfillment, one of which is prayer.
Christina: Best define your term “paradox.” One definition is “a true statement or group of statements that leads to a contradiction or a situation which defies intuition.” Some also use paradox and contradiction interchangeably.
Thank you, Jeff.
Not sure how you managed to cover it all in three sentences but you did.
I will define “paradox” more clearly.
Excellent post Christina! Indeed the Christian life is a paradox – Ever prone to wandering, and yet our souls pant for God as the deer for the streams of water.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
Amen. So very true. I’m ever so thankful that He never changes!
Me too! Lord bless you, Hollie!