Did you ever desperately want to do something but couldn’t get anywhere no matter how much you wanted to and no matter how hard you tried? That is how I spent the first day of the new year. Desperately wanting to do something, and desperately disappointed that I did not get anywhere at all. But it was par for the course for foolishly choosing to walk in the flesh rather than in the spirit – for the umpteenth time, mind you. God and I had different plans for the day, apparently. Surprise, surprise.
Suffice it to say I got as far as my human flesh would take me. Nowhere at all, in fact. Okay, if the truth be told, I did get somewhere. Not anywhere God wanted me to be, and nowhere I wanted to stay. New year. Old place. Old ways.
God, on the other hand, lovingly, patiently, albeit firmly, and definitely mercifully, reminded me that He would be more than happy to give me a new start with the new year – and a new start for a new day – if I would remember to repent.
In other words, I needed to see what I was doing as wrong, turn away from it, confess it as sin, seek and receive His forgiveness, and get a move on. I wish I could say I repented and set off on my fresh new start without any falls and further catastrophes. Even as I write, I am convicted I have gotten off track once more.
The Holy Spirit has so graciously reminded me that instead of going any further in my human flesh, it would be best to humble myself and go back to where I belong – to the mercy seat, where my King awaits for my renewed repentance and lavishes upon me once more the forgiveness I seek. Not to mention the loving reminder that He calls me to walk in the spirit – to live according to God’s Word, by His power, in His strength, His way, for whose glory? For His.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For 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.18“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” Gal. 5:16-25 NASB underlining added for effect Please visit Walk by Faith Ministry at https://www.walkbyfaithministry.com.
