Sis, this is the reality.
Until we reach eternal Glory to be with our Heavenly Father forever and ever, we will face struggles here on this earth. As long as you are a living spirit inside a flesh body on this Planet Earth, you will face issues, fall short and sin. Even if you are ‘paper Bible saved’. The flesh is full of sin and there will always be a war between our flesh and the Spirit. This life won’t always be peaches and cream, as Jesus perfectly stated;
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you].”
John 16:33, AMPC.
Within the book of Galatians, Apostle Paul makes a clear reference towards the battle between the flesh and the Spirit:
“For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other]…”
Galatians 5:17, AMPC.
This is why we should follow what Jesus taught; actively denying ourselves and killing our flesh daily (Luke 9:23). But, I understand that this is not easy!! Just to be transparent, I had a moment recently where the enemy attacked my mind again… I fell into a low place within my mind. I was reminded about my current situation and began wondering to myself:
- “God, why am I still in this season?”
- “Why haven’t things happened for me yet?”
- “Is this how my life will remain?”
- “It’s been years and I am still waiting to enter my promise land, but other people seem to receive their blessings much quicker…
As I was crying, I had an imagination of being ‘at the back’ and I thought to myself, “Jesus, so many people are out here in the world crying for you to help them… and I must be at the back of the que, so i’ll just wait.”
So I started questioning my identity, and feeling ‘less than’ compared to other people. So much comparison began to creep into my mind and heart. And I could sense bitterness creeping into my heart and this was a ‘fleshly’ moment for me. The Bible talks about staying away from these characteristics of the flesh, and how bitterness can defile us. The Bible also tell us to take captive of every thought and imagination which does not line up with the Word of God, as we are told in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (I have now began to actively meditate upon this scripture in order to fight the attacks which the enemy tries to throw towards my mind!).
Quick Advice: I had to learn to be careful about what I speak when I am upset or in a ‘low season’. Word curses are real and you don’t want to speak negative words over your life – Proverbs 18:21!
Then I realised, “Rufaro, it’s the enemy trying to take a grip and a hold over your mind again… DECLARE THE WORD OF GOD.” So, I decided to listen to a worship song and speak the Scriptures over my life. It wasn’t easy because even after reading the Scriptures, I was still crying and upset. But I was reminded that the Word of God which I spoke over my life, (the Supernatural Word of God which is sharper than any two edged sword – Hebrews 4:12!), was not in vain.
But even though I fell into this ‘mind trap’ from the enemy, I later had to remind myself about the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ! Unfortunately, many Christians do not know the Gospel or they cannot articulate it. But because I knew the Gospel, I knew that I could run to my Abba Father with the issues and the pain within my soul.
I’m sure you have heard of the quote which says:
“Religion says, ‘I messed up. My Dad is going to kill me’. The Gospel says, ‘I messed up. I need to call my Dad”
So I want to encourage you sis. Run to Abba Father! When He becomes personal to you and when you understand what Jesus has already done for you, you can approach His throne boldly and pour your heart out to him (Hebrews 4:16). So whether you have fallen into a sin which has kept you in a repetitive cycle, whether you have been struggling with your character/attitude, making the mistake of believing in the lies of the enemy, feeling ‘dirty and unworthy’ or you think that you are beyond repair… I want you to remember the Gospel!!!
Here is a short synopsis for you, in regards to the Gospel:
- We all came into this world as sinners. We were born into sin because of the sin of Adam and Eve – this is know as ‘Original Sin’.
- Because of the concept of Original Sin, we became separated from God. God is a Holy God and no sin can stand in His midst.
- But God was so loving to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of our sins on the Cross. Jesus was, is and will always be the Perfect Atonement for our sins.
- Nothing we can do can erase our sins. We need to repent of our sins and turn to Jesus. We are saved by faith through the selfless sacrifice which Jesus made for us. So, we are saved by Grace and not by our works.
- As we receive and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Saviour, we become Sanctified, Righteous and Justified before Abba Father.
- By being connected to Jesus and our Heavenly Father, we have access to the gift of eternal life!
In my particular situation, I had to remind myself that no matter how I am feeling, I can freely run to Abba because Jesus made this possible for me, through His sacrifice!
So what does this mean? Every time you find yourself in a low season or whenever you fall into sin, run to Jesus. He already paid the debt for our sins and mistakes. I once read a quote which said, “The devil wrote a check for my life, but it bounced”. GIRL!!! The check bounced because Jesus dealt with our debts over 2000 years ago!! Tap into this and believe it. However, when it comes to understanding Grace, it doesn’t mean we should abuse it by consciously living in sin with the excuse of “Jesus will forgive me anyway, so I can just live this way.” But we should always make the effort of praying for the Holy Spirit to fill us/re-fill us, lead us and help us to walk in the Spirit. Once we pursue the leading of the Spirit of God who dwells within us, the issues of life and the fight between our flesh and the Spirit become easier. How so? Because Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit is our helper!
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.”
John 14:16, AMPC.
I recommend listening to ‘Promises’ by Maverick City Music. No matter how hard things may get, remind yourself – “My hope and firm foundation… He’ll never let me down!”
Love & Peace,
Rufaro.C
Xx
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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls].”
Kristen Lory Global 