For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
|Phil. 2:13|
The above text is reason numero trillion why I need God, ‘cuz let’s be honest. . .the spirit is willing, but the flesh be wildn’. We are in good company though. Remember Paul? Radical, convicted, souled out to Jesus Paul? Somewhere in the book of Romans we see him vulnerable, as he talked about wrestling with himself. Like you and I, Paul admits to those moments when you catch yourself and think, what the heck am I doing? This isn’t even me. In clear words, lest you be confused Paul says, I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate |7:15|. I believe Paul shared his internal battle because he understood that there is freedom in confession, but I will also go as far as saying that he was fully aware his testimony could potentially deliver someone in the crowd from the claws of shame and guilt. Afterall, the reality of being human is laid out in Gal. 5:17, the flesh craves what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit craves what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. #phew!
Paul, in posing the problem also explicitly states the solution, thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! |vs. 7:25| I love that the Bible is precise, and so I have to say that I am particularly appreciative of the exclamation mark at the end. When I meditate on Paul’s statement, and in the context of the tension evident in the previous verses, what I see is an acknowledgement (of God’s mighty power to save), surrender (to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in him), thanksgiving (to the Father for His son Jesus Christ) and hope (for life abundantly). So don’t be down on yourself when like Paul you do what you hate, instead believe that God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Isn’t it just like the gospel to be what is it…good news.
So here is a lil’ sweet reminder for you, your flesh doesn’t have a fighting chance surrendered to Jesus’ rule. Also, be alert, ‘cuz the devil isn’t at all merciful.
It’s coming late, but still…Happy monyaaaaaay!
xoxo
Mel.
Picture: @pinterest
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