But I wanted to . . .

Good intentions fall short in most situations.  People really don't appreciate that you thought to do something.  The action is what counts.  With God, even our actions don't count.  Paul reminds us in Romans 7: 17-20 "But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time." (The Message)

As one who hates to disappoint others, this is a devastating thought.  I can't DO anything that will make God love me.  So now what?  (Romans 7:25) "The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." (The Message)  Jesus DID what I cannot DO-keep God's commandments perfectly!  By believing in Jesus' life, death and resurrection, I am assured that my intentions are covered by Jesus' deeds.  

Thank You, God!