Matthew 19:16

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied.  “There is only one who is good.

1 John 3:5

But you know that (Jesus) appeared so that he might take away our sins.

How can we still get the life we always wanted?

1. Face our self-sabatoge head on.

a. Do  confession, get forgiveness and repent towards God’s leadership.

Psalm 32:1

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!  Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleard of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.  I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”  And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

b. Consider how God is only saying yes not no.

2 Corinthians 1:18-20

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “yes” and “no.”  For the son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us – by me and Silas and Timothy was not “Yes” and “No” but in him it has always been “Yes” in Christ.

E. Embrace the opportunity that God has an appealing and real alternative to all temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you exept what is common to us all.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

f. Don’t hesitate to get additional help.

How can we still get the life we always wanted?

2. Remember rule #6

John 9:1-3

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Nehemiah 8:10

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is holy to our Lord.  Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

c. Embrace the good that God’s offering you right now.

d. Pray for both joy and holiness.