The Epic Struggle

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Every Christ follower fights the battle. I’m talking about the war between our old, sinful man and the new, spiritual man that is becoming more Christlike. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? It’s that epic struggle of who you used to be and who you are becoming as a Christ follower. 

When I say every Christ follower, I truly mean it—past and present—every Christ follower! Yes, even those whom we think of as deeply spiritual, are right in the middle of the fight. The apostle Paul, the great, early Christian missionary and author of most of the books in the New Testament, battled with it. He even wrote about it to the Roman Christ followers. 

Now, I’m one of those guys who would like to tell you that at some point in your Christian life you’ll be free of the struggle. But I must say, you will neither outgrow it, nor become so spiritual that you are no longer impacted by it. You are in it until you get to heaven. 

So, now the big question: What are you going to do about it? Just how will you deal with this struggle. Well, let me tell you if you think you can overcome it in your own strength [will power], you are sadly mistaken. Sure, it may work for a short time, but in the long-haul, it won’t last.

I suggest starving it out. An old-timer was sharing a testimony about this very thing. He said, “It’s like I have two dogs fighting inside me. One is a white dog that wants to do good and serve the Lord. The other is a black dog that wants to only do things of the flesh. They are constantly fighting each other.” 

Someone asked him, “Which one wins?”

He responded, “The one I feed the most!”

I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Romans 7:22-23 New Living Translation- SE