Thank Him for the War

Since becoming a Christian in my early twenties, I often reflect on how my actions are often disappointing and shameful. And it seems to me that a greater understanding of spiritual truths has produced little improvement in my spiritual walk.

The apostle describes this frustration perfectly, “I know that good itself doesn’t dwell in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I can’t carry it out. I don’t do the good I want to do, but it’s the evil I don’t want to do that I keep doing” (Romans 7:18-19).

Fellow pilgrim, let’s take heart together and look to Jesus, who said, “without me you can do nothing.”

He gave the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Our minds are set on what the Spirit desires; yet, there is a war between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

It is by the Spirit that we put to death the misdeeds of the body. Let me repeat this. By the Spirit we win the battles. We live in his realm – where he rules.

He helps us in our weaknesses. We don’t know how to pray, but he intercedes for us according to God’s will.

He leads us and empowers us so that we are no longer slaves of sin. We don’t fear judgement anymore, since the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:13-15).

Before we were born, God foreknew us and predestined that we would be conformed to the image of his Son. This is God’s promise. He never lies.

Remember when we weren’t his? We had no battles — we were simply following our desires without resistance. Let us thank him for the war. Because he lives in us in all his resurrection power, we will be raised to eternal life at the end, pure and holy, the victory forever won.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the Spirit! He lives in us and guarantees that we receive everything you have promised, including eternal life. Remind us often that it is by his power living in us that we will follow you to the end by faith.

Throughout This Day: Whenever you are tempted, remind yourself that God himself lives in you by his Spirit and gives you all the power you need to step out in faith and obey him step by step. Say no to sin, and yes to him, trusting that he is enabling you to do so.