Walking in the Spirit

Day 23- Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:17 NIV

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

If you thought that your Christian race was a walk in the park or a stroll of comfort, you need to read and internalize the words above again.  There is a running battle for your soul, and there will always be a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit as long as you live. No amount of Christian maturity ends that struggle; it is your surrender to and reliance on God that gives you continuous victory over the power of the flesh. Paul was the one writing these words, and for a man who had experienced God and seen him at work, you would think that some struggles were beneath him. Fortunately, God does not save us so we can become superhumans, but so that the supernatural God could show forth his awesome power and grace even in our weaknesses.

When Adam sinned, he died, even though not physically. There was unbroken fellowship with God before the fall, and there was work to do. Adam and wife needed to tend the garden, take care of God's creation, and avoid the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They had a choice to make: obey and retain the fellowship, or disobey and lose the relationship. We are where we are because of the choices they made, and the world is what it is because of the choices it keeps on making. The devil knows that the man without the Spirit is open to whatever the flesh suggests, and he also knows that the man who is under the control of the Spirit may one day show some weakness, and then he will strike. He can't allow the 'flesh' man to come in contact with the Spirit, and he will ensure that the 'Spirit' man comes in contact with a lot of 'flesh' temptations. Therein lies the battle and the struggle.  No matter how hard you try, it is not in your own power to overcome the flesh, but it is total reliance on the Spirit that will give you victory. You do not fight the 'flesh' with 'flesh' weapons or on its own terms; a higher power, a greater force is required to conquer the flesh. You don't fight the 'flesh' once, conquer it and go to sleep; it is a lifelong battle, a continuous one that only ends when there is a translation into eternal life. There is no retirement, no graduation and no experience in fighting that can help; only a daily, continuous reliance on the Spirit will guarantee you daily continuous victory.

As you go out today, remember that the world has its power and allure, but the Holy Spirit is the Presence that makes all things right. Rely on him today for victory. His time of favour is here.

PRAYER- Lord, help me depend totally and absolutely on you. As I fight the good fight of faith with your help and your weapons, I know that victory is sure and secure only in you. Keep my gaze only on you, so that I may endure to the end. Amen.