THE CONSISTENCY STRUGGLE

FOCAL VERSE

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

DEEP REFLECTION

Each and everyday there is a tremendous battle between the flesh and spirit. We may experience seasons where staying consistent in our walk with God would be difficult. Sometimes, if we are not careful, we might neglect our relationship with the Holy Spirit and soon become stagnant in our walk with Christ.

Last week we looked at the greatest need in life which is the word of God. For this week, we will be focusing on ways to ensure consistency in our relationship with God regardless of our present circumstances; through a consistent, intentional bible reading habit (spiritual food) and a prayer lifestyle (spiritual breath).

Life is easier when we have a stronger spiritual connection with God. Thus, there is a necessity to grow spiritually in partnership with the Holy Spirit in order not to be stagnant in both the spiritual and physical walk. The struggle is real. We must recognize the battle front. The battle is between the flesh and the Spirit. But by the Help of the Holy Spirit, we have the power to attain victory on the inside.  Without God, we do not have a chance in this fight. But with God, we can gain mastery over the flesh.

The first thing we can tackle is our mindsets and attitude towards spending time with God in word, prayer and worship etc. The very idea that we accepted to be in a relationship with God helps us realize that the time spent with Him needs to be treated like the time we spend with a loved one. With that consciousness, we will long for Him and even miss Him when we have not had adequate time with Him.

Secondly, understanding that we have spent a lot of time on earth developing our physical bodies, our souls and not our spirits should help us understand why we are quick to respond to what our bodies, emotions and untransformed nature will tells us instead of what our spirit-man needs. 

A deep hunger to be intimate with the Holy Spirit can be one strategy to win this battle. We need to know that building a relationship with God is His big idea and He wants it to happen more than we do. There are many prayers we say that testifies that we are not sure of God’s will for us. However, His word makes us understand His plan/will for us is to have an good end and future (Jeremiah 29:11). As His children, what we need to do is to call on Him; and He will answer us and show us things we know not (Jeremiah 33:3). Keep on communicating with God. He is interested in all facets of our lives. Feel free and voice everything out to Him.

Next is having a plan. Here, the plan will help you follow a pattern of study every-time you sit to study the Bible. Decision making can be a time waster and a psyche killer. Have a plan for what you are studying, how you are going to study, what you will use for the study (i.e. your tools) and where you are going to have the study.

Additionally, it is good a choice to have someone check in with you everyday or every week or whichever period of time you choose to. We use accountability partners for many activities that requires diligence from us. Find one for this part of your life as well. The more accountable you are, the better you will be at consistent development.

Again, making time to share what you are learning with friends and family will fan into flames your desire to get diverse opinions on a subject matter. Find someone or a platform to share what you are learning. Create more room to hear and learn from God by offloading what God has deposited into your spirit. This could be online or offline, it could be with strangers or with close friends and family. This is one of those things that has always worked for me and I gladly recommend it to you.

 Lastly, dealing with distractions can be a daunting task many a time. It is safe one knows what takes away his/her attention whenever it is time for God. Write them down and have a plan for dealing with them. They will not go away because you wish them away. Deal with them heads on. Is it people? Is it your phone? Find it and deal with it.

In summary, every Christian is called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. Just as a soldier’s equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian’s equipment is meant for spiritual warfare. We are to partner with the Holy Spirit as we strive to serve God.

INTENTIONAL EXERCISE

See struggle as a best friend to make you a better person. (Nothing good comes easily)

SOUL PRAYER

Dear Lord, please let your word dwell in me for I believe that you sent your Jesus for me also help me be diligent in scripture studying in Jesus name Amen.

READING PLAN

• MONDAY: 1 Corinthians 15:58
• TUESDAY: Galatians 6:9
• WEDNESDAY: Revelation 3:15-16
• THURSDAY: James 1:4
• FRIDAY: Hebrews 10:23

This is a GROWcode_initiative in partnership with Jesus Christ.
Stay connected to grow.
Much love.

Written by: Kelly
Edited by: Beth_Hamm & Nana