Offload the 'Worm Syndrome' - Damon J. Gray
There is, within Christendom, a believer’s mindset that seems to be afflicted with what I call, “Worm Syndrome.” In this group of believers, we find those who feel compelled to view themselves as failures, unworthy, burdened with sin, those who would say with the Psalmist, “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” (22:6, NIV) This is the believer who has a perpetually furrowed brow, is laden with worry, and feelings of complete unworthiness. The man or woman suffering from Worm Syndrome carries (almost) a victim mentality. This syndrome stands between the believer and God’s grace, and it has no place in the life of a follower after Christ.
Read this passage from Ephesians 1:18-21 (NIV) and feel the power that is available to every Christ-follower!
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Power!!
The King James Bible states it very poetically, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” Not just greatness, but exceeding greatness. Not greatness by man’s standard – exceeding greatness even by the standard of Almighty God. Friends, that’s power!!
The very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is available to us. The power of the Creator of all that exists, is within us. Jesus promised the indwelling Spirit of God to those who love him and keep his commands, and “God has not given us a Spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NASB)
Close your eyes for a moment, and imagine the sheer immensity of God’s power. It is mind-blowing isn’t it? But I assure you, what you just imagined falls far short of reality.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20, NASB)
God’s power dwarfs our wildest imaginings, and that power is at work within you and me! Paul says this power, through the Spirit of God, strengthens us in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)
Paul told the church at Rome that we are “hupernikomen” super-conquerors in Christ. Every challenge we encounter is another opportunity to conquer, to be more than a conqueror! We do not simply survive the battle. We do not simply bear with the trial. We are victorious in a way that goes beyond a simple conquest. Trusting in the love, mercy, and goodness of God, we will ultimately stand before him without spot or blemish, and hear those soothing words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Walk in power!
Victoriously in Christ!
– damon
