If [the enemy] can cause even a twinge of skepticism, we are susceptible to the limits of our flesh, denying the gospel power of God through us. Receiving without doubt will help us rise above those limitations and allow God to do the abundant work He desires.
I’ve often experienced the strong power of my flesh commanding my thoughts, emotions, and actions. Contrary to the truth that the flesh is weak, it sometimes feels overpowering. Is this something you can relate to?
When Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41), He defined the perpetual battle. Our convicted spirit wants to do what is right, but our human will often overrides the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Every day, we are challenged to follow the ways of God over the ways of the flesh. Hindered by physical ailments, emotional unrest, and temptations of the enemy, we are constantly being pulled in the opposite direction of what God desires.
So, what’s the answer? If God’s Spirit is in us, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, we have all the power we need to resist our weak-willed nature. We can, at any time, step into His divine power and reclaim what the enemy intends for evil. Amen?
If you’re tired of the so-called “power" of the flesh leading you down compromising paths, here are a few ways to let the Holy Spirit lead:
Repent Without Excuse
How often do our confessions include excuses for why we’ve grieved the heart of God? I ask this while also raising my hand in full admittance of guilt. True repentance is drawn out through God’s loving-kindness and deep conviction. As Romans 2:4 says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
Making excuses for our flesh is like showing contempt for God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience. But when we lay everything at His feet, no matter how grievous, we receive forgiveness and the cleansing power of the Spirit. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Friends, there is no way to purify ourselves from sin. No glossing over the offense or diminishing the severity of our faults can make us holy. Only God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness and make us new again. Did you hear that? Only God can purify and make us whole. Praise the Lord, His mercies are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness.
The power of His Spirit creates in us a new heart, defying the weakness of our flesh. Let godly sorrow lead you to repentance any time your flesh threatens to get the best of you. Without excuse, lay your burdens down and leave them at the altar. God knows just what to do with them!
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” Acts 3:19-21
Receive Without Doubt
I’m guessing it’s easier for you to give than to receive. This is a common issue for most women I know, and I think it’s because we were created with a deep sense of nurture. We serve our families, coworkers, friends, and even strangers, but how often do we open our arms to receive?
Receiving the power of the Holy Spirit is crucial in overcoming the weaknesses of the flesh, and it starts with belief. Do we really believe the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives and works in us? Why or why not?
Doubt is one of the sneakiest lies from the enemy. If he can cause even a twinge of skepticism, we are susceptible to the limits of our flesh, denying the gospel power of God through us. Receiving without doubt will help us rise above those limitations and allow God to do the abundant work He desires.
Remember Jesus’ words to His disciples before He ascended to heaven: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). With the confidence of Christ in you, receive His power today, for the sake of His name and witness of His word.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Rejoice Without Limitation
The last thing we feel like doing when bound by our flesh is rejoicing. Instead, we grumble, complain, sulk, and stew over things. But what could happen if we rose up - weaknesses and all - and lifted our hands in praise of God’s almighty power?
The familiar worship song, How Great Is Our God, starts with these words: “The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty, let all the Earth rejoice, all the Earth rejoice.” What a powerful visual of Christ the King, clothed in majesty. Simply imagining Him in glorious splendor evokes genuine worship and praise.
Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Let this powerful passage ring in your heart today, clearing out the cobwebs of grumbling and complaint. Feel the power of the Spirit inhabiting your praise, filling you to the full with His indescribable presence and peace.
The truth is, our flesh often seems stronger than God’s power, but it’s only a facade. By humbly surrendering our will to His, we are given His divine power for living a godly life of purpose and praise. Resist the enemy’s distractions and the downward pull of the flesh and rejoice in the heavenly work God is doing through you.
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
Lord, I admit my flesh is weak, but Your grace is sufficient for me. Thank You for raising me out of my humanistic ways and leading me according to Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. I praise You for sending Your Holy Spirit to dwell in me as my Counselor, Guide, and Authority. I step into Your divine power now, leaving the weakness of my flesh behind. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
Who Is the Holy Spirit and What is His Role in the Christian Life?
10 Things You Need to Know about the Holy Spirit
25 Ways the Holy Spirit Works in the Lives of Believers
How the Gospel Makes Your Weakness Beautiful
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