Editor’s Note: This fall we will be doing a 10-part series on Flesh vs. Spirit. We hope these ladies’ testimonies will encourage and inspire you to keep pushing through, to keep battling, to keep believing in God’s truth that says you are an OVERCOMER. Though it sometimes feels like we are losing the battle, we have overwhelming victory though Christ and His blood shed on the cross. Be encouraged today!
The proverbial fork in the road. We have all approached it many times in our lives. A decision must be made to go either left or right. The more you think about it, the more it begins to look like that epic cartoon where there’s an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, each voice trying to convince you that their way is the best. We could call this the battle between the Spirit and the flesh or the war within.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:16
I recently encountered that fork in the road. In May I ended a 25 year teaching career that was dear to my heart. A year ago, I felt God downloading into my spirit that a change of season was coming into my life. As I prayed about it, the picture became clearer that I needed to put an end to the career I have always known. As peace entered my heart on that decision, here comes another voice planting doubts and fears into my mind. That voice was reminding me that I wouldn’t have a regular paycheck coming in every month to pay bills. I couldn’t claim my early retirement for two more years and I didn’t have another job lined up to fill in the gap.
My flesh wanted to listen to the last voice and totally ignore what the Spirit was instilling in my heart. After all, I have bills to pay and needs to be met.
But, I was promptly reminded that “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ.” Philippians 4:19
As the battle continued, my flesh wanted all the visible, tangible “guarantees” that this world has to offer. We might call that the broad or well traveled road; it’s the one that feels safe. Matthew 7:13-14 reminds us “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter.”
Despite what the enemy or your flesh may tell you, God doesn’t intend for you to walk this path alone. In order to be different and changed you must choose the narrow road. It also means that not many are going to walk that path with you. What really matters is the ONE who WILL be walking with you. When I transferred the trust I had in myself and the promises of this world over to the living God and His kingdom, He started opening doors I didn’t even know were there.
“Don’t be anxious about anything. Instead pray about everything.” Philippians 4:6
Open your Bible and declare over yourself the truths and promises God has given you for your life. Spending time with Him through prayer and worship will put those voices in perspective. God does provide!
Ladies, through this Spirit versus flesh battle, we have to realize that we can’t change God or the enemy, but they BOTH can change us. So which one are we going to follow and listen to? One is out to deceive, kill, steal, and destroy while the other is out to love, guide and improve our lives. The well traveled road may appear safe but isn’t necessarily the right road. It caters to the flesh and provides temporary comforts. The less traveled road might appear rough, but through the Spirit it leads to some AMAZING outcomes! Faith pushes out guilt, fear and greed and gives us a hunger for God’s power.
Whatever battle you are fighting right now remember that through the cross Christ is faithful and has already conquered any battle we may have. We have victory through Him over those worldly voices. You are a daughter of the King and we can say Thank You God for making us overcomers!
We would like to thank Kathy Jones for writing this blog!
Women's Ministry 