Spiritual tug-of-war is spiritual warfare

Today's Devotion, Spiritual tug-of-war is spiritual warfare. Have you ever had an experience when you feel as if you are being pulled back into your sinful lifestyle even though you have given your life to God? You are in a spiritual tug-of-war. A spiritual tug-of-war is a constant struggle between the Holy Spirit and the flesh.

The Holy Spirit is pushing you onto the path of righteousness and the flesh is pulling you down the dark road of sin. God's aim is to put you on the road of righteousness and the devil's objective is to distract you so that you can find joy in sin. The devil is more persistent than a fly trying to get into your food and his aim is to block your mind from the consequences of sin.

You cannot embarrass the devil and expect him to leave. You have to fast and pray consistently, not conveniently. His aim is to destroy your life and your relationship with God.

We don't wrestle against flesh and blood. We wrestle against the demonic world. We all have a choice.

We can either live for God or satisfy our sinful desires that the devil will use to pull us closer to him. My brothers and sisters in Christ, as challenging as our situation may seem, the struggle strengthens our faith as we rely on God's strength and guidance through prayer, scripture, and surrendering to God. When sinful thoughts wake you up, ask God to remove them because if you don't, they will stay with you for the entire day.

In Ephesians 6 verse 10 to 11 it is written, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. And in 1 Corinthians 10 verse 13 it is written, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind, and God is faithful.

He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Heavenly Father, the heart is willing, but the flesh is weak, and we seek your guidance so that we do not yield to the desire of the flesh or the comfort that comes from spiritual laziness.

Lord, help us not to only be speakers of your words, but do us also. Lord, we are in a spiritual battle of some sort on a daily basis, and we ask for your protection against those who call good evil and evil good. Lord, we come before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude and praise.

We praise you because in every battle you have been. You have strengthened us. When the enemy came in like a flood, you lifted up a standard against them. All honor, glory, and praise belongs to you.

All these we ask in Jesus' name, amen.