I shared recently about my journey with mental and behavioral health. The reality is, we all have struggles and ailments in our flesh. In this broken world, we have aches and pains. We have temptations and so often go our own way instead of the Lord’s. While none of us would choose the heartaches and maladies, they are an inevitable reality of living in a broken world. It is not God’s design for us to simply throw our hands up and wallow in self-pity and sin. No; He wants us to live an abundant life and thrive in His grace. We have the ability to resist temptation and sin! He gives believers the Holy Spirit Who allows us to walk in this freedom. Paul writes, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When we resist temptation and live for the Lord regardless of our own shortcomings, He gets the glory!

Temptation and sin begin in the mind. Romans 8:5-6 says, “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit.” We can claim victory when we have the right mindset. We are called to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we go through life. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). When we set our minds on allowing God to live through us, He will bring about radical change. Rather than embracing sin, we will turn from it and be transformed. Through Christ, we can overcome the battles that occur in our minds and flesh.

By His Grace,
Adam