War!

          War! All around us we are hearing of unrest, wars and rumours of wars. Yet, for every single one of us, especially Christians, there is a war that we face on a daily basis - the war in our flesh.
           We know the commandments, we know right from wrong yet, knowing the right thing and doing the right are sadly two different things. Even when we want to do what is right, the most natural, and sometimes annoying thing, is to do the wrong thing. Romans 7:14-25 very nicely describes this battle that we face every day. When we become Christians, we are freed from the power and guilt of sin and from its consequences. Here's the problem - once we are dwelling in this mortal body, there will be a battle between the flesh and the spirit until the day we die. Our spirit knows what should be done but our flesh seems "hell-bent" - pardon the expression - on doing the opposite of what the spirit knows to be right. Yes, it can be and is frustrating. You want to please God because you love Him and are grateful to Him for what He has done and is doing for you. But the flesh seems to keep messing things up; seems to keep sabotaging your efforts to live right and holy before God and man.
            So, what do you do? Give in, give up? Live this saved life as if you're not saved? NO! Romans 7:25 gives the answer - Jesus! This is certainly one of those times when we acknowledge that we can't, but God can. We don't want to but God wants to. We are NOT able but God is more than able. You see, this Christian walk was never for us to walk alone. We are supposed to lean heavily on God and allow Him to do the work in us. It's called sanctification and it's a process that takes time. Bit by bit, God takes all the nasty things out of us as we put our trust and confidence in Him. We can't and many times don't want to, but God is more than able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). I'm learning more and more to just give it all to Him. I'm so accustomed doing it on my own or rather having my own way but I'm realising that God's way will always be the best way. It is also a way that leads to peace and who does not want peace in their life?
            So, all I'm saying is give it to God today. You don't have to do it on your own, you are not supposed to, God does not expect you to. And watch the miracles that will take place in your life. But do not forget to give God the glory, because you can't do it without Him!

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