2022 - The Greatest Struggle

I am at a place where confidence in myself is shaken and my abilities are threaten by the possibilities of my flesh failing me. It's a scary place to be but a very necessary place if we must surrender our will to God. Do you remember the story of Gethsemane in Mark chapter 14? Jesus had taken his disciples to pray with him in the garden of Gethsemane. It was near the hour of his crucifixion and his soul was overwhelmed with sorrow. In that moment, Jesus needed his disciples the most. He wanted them to stay awake and pray with him for his most difficult time had come. When he returned to them, he found them asleep on three different occasions. Though somewhat disappointed, he could see beyond their weaknesses. He pitied them, for he knew this weakness would be a major avenue for Satan's attacks. In verse 38 he said, "the spirit is willing but the body is weak". They truly desired to tarry with Christ but their flesh wouldn't allow them.

Our greatest battle is with ourselves; whether we walk in the Spirit or in the flesh, Roman 8:5. It's a constant battle to do that which the Spirit desires or what the flesh desires. Many times our spirit will be willing but our flesh will be weak. This battle becomes even harder when you decide to walk in your purpose. Everything you wish to do to fulfill your purpose will be tested and you will disappoint yourself many times. This disappointment may lead to doubt and fear of incompetence in doing what God has called you to do. But remember, those He calls, He justifies. Your intentions will be good, your spirit will be willing, but your flesh and the habits you've formed will be your greatest obstacle.

What am I saying? I'm simply saying God will allow you to experience the battle of flesh (procrastination, sleep, distractions, lack of motivation, pleasures) and Spirit (praying, studying God's word) to help you finalize your decision on who would guide your purpose journey. For me, last year made me doubt my ability to do this work without Christ. I also realized I can not live partially in the Spirit and partially in the flesh, I have to choose with whom to walk. This year I am reminded that I can do nothing without Christ, to trust in God for strength, and to abide in him if I want to bear much fruit. Another lesson I learned is to not try to do too many things at once if I have not built the discipline to walk in the Spirit. You too may be feeling pretty bumped for not accomplishing all you set out to do last year and realizing now it was based on poor choices you made. This year as we make plans for the year, let us remember that we can do nothing without Christ and doing God's work requires constant instructions from God. Those instructions only come through the Word of God and spending time in his presence, not watching TV or sleeping.

Make the choice today whom desires you would fulfill, the flesh or the Spirit?

#womanofpurpose #personalgrowth #2022goals #devotional