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The attack came out of nowhere, and the battle began. My flesh came up with its own ideas, but God had another plan.

In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young writes, “Through collaborating with me in all things, you allow my life to merge with yours. This is the secret of not only joyful living but also victorious living.” ~Jesus

As Christians, we know we’re engaged in spiritual warfare. We’re given instructions on how to put on God’s armor and stand strong against the Enemy. Those weapons are powerful for the battle without.

But there’s another battle that rages within between the flesh and the Spirit, which are enemies. The NLT says it this way:

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

It's the carnal nature we’re born with that gives us so much trouble. The Passion translation calls it the “self-life”—a life that only pleases self.

But God calls us to a higher place. A place where we yield to His Spirit. The Spirit who lives in us. Who causes us to be spiritually minded instead of earthly minded. If we’re guided by the Spirit, we won’t obey those selfish, sinful desires. Our focus changes from the self-life to the God-life. It transforms our thoughts, words, and actions. It prepares the way for the fruit of the Spirit to grow.

God has made a way for us to win the battle within and without. He calls us overcomers.

Are you ready to fight the battle?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)