For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 

There is a constant battle going on inside of each of us that cannot be ignored. It is called temptation. Temptation is when our flesh or old nature says to us that I am about to take over by any necessary means. We should also be mindful that we live in a time where our culture promotes self-interests above community interests. It says to us you should have what you want to be happy. There are countless commercials, billboards, and marketing signs targeting us to appeal to the nature of unhealthy desires within us. The coordinated pressures from the inside and the outside can be relentless and seem impossible to overcome. But God can help us keep standing under pressure and give us the escape we need to keep moving forward (1 Cor 10:13). Like Paul submitting to God opens doors and opportunities unseen otherwise. He encourages us to have the same mind of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Humility is the launchpad for living well and finishing well in the sight of God almighty. Are you tired of falling and being knocked down trying to live right? God has placed you in the community of faith for a purpose, and in Christ Jesus, you can stand against the pressures waring against your progress.

I know that it may seem better to ignore some thoughts and desires that lure us to go negative or to go back from the places we were delivered. However, doing so pretends that the struggle is not a real one. We say to ourselves, let me escape my cravings by going somewhere or doing something that will distract me from what is starting to boil over inside. We look for entertainment; football, a movie, shopping, eating out, or going to crowded places to drown out the noise inside. The struggle cannot be ignored as our old, and new lives are on a collision course that cannot be avoided. We must join God in the work he is already doing for our salvation. We must work out what he has worked in us as true worshipers recognize his greatness and sovereignty over all that is seen and unseen (Phil 2:12-12). We must have a daily spiritual workout plan that has results (1 Cor 9:27). Do you think your struggle is beyond God’s help? The Lord says, come unto me all who are tired and worn out, and I will give you the rest you need (Matthew 11:28). You can come to the Lord God with any issues you are having all the time. Don’t pretend they are not there or ignore them, but worship God in them, knowing that His grace is sufficient for you and his power is made perfect in your weaknesses. 

God’s love for us never gives up. The driving force behind our new self is the love of God being manifested in us and around us. We never quit when the power of God’s love is alive in us and working through us. It is easy to complain to everybody else about life. Paul encourages us not to follow the crown of chronic complainers but to follow in Christ’s footsteps. To be steadfast, unmovable, ever abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labors are not in vain in Him (1 Cor 15:58). Don’t you know God’s love will never give up on you? Don’t even think about quitting, be steadfast and stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.  

The struggle is real, steadfastness is required, and sacrifice and service return and extend the grace and favor freely given to us. We are not our own, but we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our hearts are the dwelling place of God, and the charge is to glorify Him. To humbly serve him and worship him in all we do with a dedicated heart. A heart that is surrendered emptied and poured out an offering for him to enjoy and others to experience. When we are real, we can be a real help to others. This is Christ’s church, the body of Christ; this is the greater community in the world that is a light reflection of God’s glory.

Lord God, thank you for loving us enough that we can be real about our struggles. Thank you for giving us the assurance we need that you will never walk out on us, but you will always be with us. Thank you for being who you are all the time for us. You are almighty, you are always present, you are always faithful, you are worthy of all our praise, glory, and honor. Thank you for placing us in your family and giving us the power to overcome our battles and a living hope that you will never disappoint us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard