We can’t focus on God’s faithfulness without talking about the promises of God and how faithful He is to His Word. I have been going through a lot in this last year and I just kept thinking… persevere. I am all about that. Just keep going and endure whatever comes. You can do it! And we can try. I’m not a quitter and I have walked through much in my lifetime.
I think in the midst of doing that, there have been some things that I allowed to get the best of me. Without talking details, I believe that when under extreme pressure and even heartache, that I began to use some things that seemed little to me as a way to cope and sometimes as a distraction. Sounds like not a big deal, right? Well, that’s how really bad habits start and even get a hold on us. It could be described as addictions. It can look like a lot of different things. This can also be a way that the enemy gets us distracted and lures us away from our first love. Our first devotion to Christ.
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
(Revelation 2:4)
Jesus wants me to love Him first and also to bring everything to Him. When I am upset about anything, He wants me to run to Him. When I don’t, then I am trying to live life on my own strength. That’s how I stay at peace and abide in Him. That’s how I stay free. Christ paid a high price for my freedom.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, do not be enslaved again with a yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1
I do believe that the Spirit of God has been showing me things over this year about all of this. I believe He wants me to see how sneaky the enemy is, but also how sinful and dangerous the flesh is. Yes, when I try to just live in my fleshly body and do things on my own, it is sin for me. Our flesh man is really at war with our spirit man. A war is waging every day for the flesh man in me to win! But God!
God’s got my attention lately. That’s a good thing. I know that God is calling me to be faithful, and He is faithful. James 5:7-9 says this – “You were running well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth? This deceptive persuasion is not from Him who called you to freedom in Christ. A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” (AMP).
Just a little leaven. It doesn’t take much for our flesh to kick in and want to go that way. Distracted by little things that can become big things, and then we are trapped. James 5 goes on to say that we were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.
When we are triggered by someone or something and it causes us to react, it can become an open door for the enemy of our soul. He wants just a little crack to get a foothold which can become a stronghold on us. It is our sin nature, our flesh, that gets us into trouble in those situations. It can even be when someone does something that is hurtful and wrong to us and we react by holding onto the hurt and getting angry. It goes from there. All kinds of flesh related reactions can happen if we don’t go there with God and give it to Him. It’s a way to let go of all the pressure by allowing God to take it from us. He loves us so much and He doesn’t want us to carry around a bunch of baggage. Remember, it’s for freedom that Christ has set us free.
“But I say, walk habitually in the Holy Spirit (seek Him and be responsive to His guidance), and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature (which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts). For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:16,17a AMP)
Yes, I am so grateful for God’s word and I know and am even more sure that I need to hold fast to Him and His truth for me. Verse 24-26 says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we live by the Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit. We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.” The first two verses of chapter 6 says “if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness, keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ.” It goes on to say that whatever a man sows, this is what he will reap.
Our conduct must always be empowered by the Holy Spirit and with much grace. God’s Word speaks and directs. Not sure if you needed to hear this right now. I did. Be blessed as you hold fast in this time. God’s grace and mercy are holding us and giving us blessing and strength. We can rest in God’s faithfulness and remain faithful to Him. Amen.
