Get Ready, Get Set, Grow!

Some years ago, I noticed I was still struggling with one of the same issues that I had when I was first born-again. I couldn’t understand it because I didn’t want to be struggling with that issue; it didn’t represent the new me. But the more I beat myself up for falling back into old temptations, the more I felt like I was bound. 

I cried about it, prayed about it, I even fasted about it, but nothing seemed to change in that area. Then one day God spoke to me about it, reminding me, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves, (Galatians 5:16, NLT).”

He explained that as long as I remained in the old fleshly way of thinking concerning the matter, I would remain in the old fleshly behaviors that my old self engaged in. The problem was that I am a new creation, and old things have passed away. But for me at that time, they hadn’t all passed away. The old self passed away, but the old behavior did not. I had to put it away by walking in the newness of the Spirit. Which meant changing my thinking to match my new life. 

Immediately, I knew I had to follow the directions of Romans 12:2 (NLT), “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

When I was honest enough to run to God with the problem. He was gracious enough to confront the issue. He explained as my head hung low in shame and grief, "I am so glad you asked me to help you. You have been trying to free yourself from spiritual bondage that was placed on you at 14 years old, when you entered into a covenant of agreement with the devil to engage in that specific thought pattern, which caused that specific behavior. If it took a wrong spirit to walk you into bondage, it is going to take the Righteous Spirit to lead you out. I am he." 

He was right; I would stop, then start again when I felt like I needed an emotional hit. But in that season, I saw that I no longer had control and I couldn't stop, even though I wanted to because I knew it was wrong. I hadn't engaged in that behavior for years. I am sooooo grateful that I took the matter to God and listened to the wisdom of his Word. You can do the same. All it takes is honesty to confess your mess, humility to listen to God, and obedience to follow his instructions.

Since I have changed my way of thinking, I am no longer plagued with thoughts that cause me to stumble into the old behaviors of the old sinful woman that I used to be. I am growing into the newness of life God promised me. Joyce Meyer always says, “Where the mind goes, the man will follow.” 

She’s absolutely right, so we must change our minds to change our behavior. God asked me to examine what triggered the thoughts, and I saw how they were triggered by me looking for comfort. I know that sounds silly, but do you know that most sinful behavior results from the flesh looking for some kind of comfort or sinful pleasure? Despite my shock, I could clearly see the problem and make the necessary adjustments with the help of my Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I began to understand that I don’t need to use a thing, sinful behavior pattern, or idle thoughts to comfort myself. I have the Holy Spirit for that, and he does all things well!

We can’t fail unless we fail to pray, confess our sins, and obey the Word of God. If you are still struggling with any form of sin, consider how you are thinking. Renewing your mind can also transform you. You can do it! I know you can! I’m praying for your success! Will you pray and invite God into the problem so that he can invite you into his victory? He has a better way of thinking that creates a better way of being. 

Prayer:

Father, I give you freedom to show me the error of my ways. It's difficult to look at the truth about myself, but I must face it to overcome the bondage that sinfulness has caused. Help me stay on the right path by being transformed by the renewing of my mind to align with your Word. Thank you for forgiving grace, helping me along my journey because I might stumble along the way, but I'm hopeful and grateful that you will not let me fall. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!