“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Galatians 5:16-17, NASB)
I began to question the Lord about some of the issues I had been dealing with recently. I felt like Paul. I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Have you been there?
The Lord began to show me through the Word, that our lives are not to be controlled by what our flesh desires. Instead, born again believers should be led by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Here is the problem; when we do not take the time to feed our spirit man through prayer, fasting, and meditating on the Word, we will not be able to recognize the promptings of the Spirit. The one you feed the most will grow strongest.
On average, how much time do you spend reading the Bible and praying? If you desire to walk in the spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh, the key is increasing your time in these spiritual practices. The Word cleanses and transforms our hearts. Prayer helps to give us direction and allows us to see the traps of the enemy. Prayer is also essential in dying to our will and embracing God’s will.
My prayer for you today is that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened as you study scriptures. I pray you will allow the grace of God to help you win the battle over your struggles. Be led by the Spirit as you pursue a closer walk with the Father.
Father so often we take for granted the tools you have given us to help us live a holy life that is pleasing to you. I pray that we will begin to examine our own ways, our motives, our thoughts and our desires. I pray that we will bring these to you so that you can help us to see clearly. Oftentimes what we want is not what you want. I pray that you will continue to draw us by your Holy Spirit and guide us in truth so that we may follow after you wholeheartedly. In Jesus name, Amen.
What necessary changes can you make today to begin to include time daily for the Word of God and prayer?
Take Action:
Begin to get quiet intentionally and listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction in your every day life.
Resource: Walk in the Spirit