Praise the Lord, my friend,

There are times when we know what is right, but there is a voice inside us telling us to do the opposite.

We want to be patient when someone does something we don’t like, but we get angry.

We often want to forgive others, but hold on to the past and how it made us feel.

We want to pray, but we keep choosing worldly desires that pull us away from God.

I think this is one of the struggles we often face in our faith journey.

So, how do we look at it and deal with it?

Well, this is what the Word of God tells us:

Romans 8:12-13

“We have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

You see, that first part really stands out there, my friend.

It says, “We have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh.”

That means the flesh may still pull us toward things that are not pleasing to God, but we don’t have to give it control over our lives.

Because we belong to God.

And because we belong to Him, our lives are no longer meant to be led by every desire that comes into our hearts.

Galatians 5:24

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

That doesn’t mean the struggle suddenly disappears.

It means we have a different direction to follow.

There will still be moments when the flesh wants its way, but we can choose to turn back to God and ask His Spirit to lead us instead.

And that is something we often need to remember, my friend.

We are not fighting to earn God’s love but are learning to live like people who already belong to Him.

Romans 8:14

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

So when we feel that pull toward something we know is wrong, we don’t have to simply say, “Maybe just for the last time.”

We can say no to the flesh and yes to God.

We may stumble and have to make that choice again and again, but we don’t have to give up.

Because we don’t belong to the flesh anymore.

We belong to God, my friend.

God loves youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

Share with Prayer:

We don’t know who needs to see the above reel, but God does.

So let’s share it with a prayer, my friend.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

Thank You for reminding us that we belong to You.

We know that our flesh can still pull us toward things that are not pleasing to You, and we need Your help to choose Your ways each day.

Father, help us when we are tempted to follow our own desires instead of You.

Give us the strength to say no to the things that pull us away from You and help us listen to Your Spirit.

I also pray for my friend reading this right now.

You know the struggles they are facing and the areas where they find it difficult to let go of their old ways.

Please give them strength, patience, and a heart that wants to follow You.

And as we share the above reel, please let it reach someone who needs this reminder today.

Use these words to bring their heart back to You and remind them that they belong to You.

Help us live each day in a way that honors You and brings us closer to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Specific prayer request

If you’ve any prayer requests, please hit reply and let me know. I would love to pray for you, my friend.

Would you prefer to share it anonymously? You can do it here.

Until tomorrow, my friend 😊
Prasad Mairale
Walk In Faith