CWW Week 21 - Day 1 - Conquering The Dragon

Scripture.

Romans 7:15. [NKJV]

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”

Devotional.

Write by the apostle Paul, we see in this verse, a sense of despair

Despair often lives in us all even those who have faith. Let’s take a look at the definition of the word despair.

Despair refers to a profound state of hopelessness and a complete loss of confidence in the possibility of improvement or positive outcomes. It is a deep feeling of sadness or despondency where one believes that no solution or relief is possible. This emotional state often accompanies a sense of helplessness and can be overwhelming, affecting one’s outlook on life and ability to cope with challenges. Despair can be a response to significant personal, emotional, or situational difficulties, and it can impact mental and physical well-being.

In his book Conquering The Dragon Within, author and theologian Marvin Moore refers to a letter to the editor in a magazine he once read many years ago.

The writer expresses despair when he wrote; “Just what is the solution when one has asked for forgiveness and made his confession, is willing to forsake his sins, has prayed earnestly, and consecrated himself to God only to find himself falling right back into sin?…

Somewhere a vital link in the chain of becoming like Christ is missing for me—has anyone who has trod the road ahead found the answer—the really workable solution that results, at the close of the day, in triumphant, heartfelt praise to such a Friend who could do so much for you? What a change that would be! I’m all for “victory to victory,” but how?”

Have you ever felt this way? I can tell you that I have.

Church pastors will often give us the stock standard answers meant to encourage us but leave us flat. The “how” is never answered. “Make His will your will,” “Come to the foot of the of  cross,” “Fall on the rock and be broken,” they say. Yes ok but how???

We need to understand some basic concepts of faith before we can begin to see the gift of salvation for the precious gift that it is.

When we do this we will light up to the eternal possibilities of the greatest promise ever given to a fallen society.

I’m getting goose bumps as I write because I can see what’s coming as we journey together. As I understand from the reading and study that I am doing to create these devotionals every day, the light in me is getting brighter and brighter.

I have been asking the Holy Spirit to give me the understanding that answers my question, “But wait, there must be a catch right?”

The journey we have embarked on together is a phase by phase, leg by leg journey of understanding. All of our lives many of us felt a sense of fear in getting too far out, feelings of fear around getting out of our depth. Grasping these concepts does not come easy but then all of a sudden you realise that you can swim and it all starts to make sense. Fear is replaced with security and with that a serenity that persists in the chaos.

When I know that there’s a desire to sin churning away in my gut, I recognise a battle is taking place. A real struggle that I have already accepted that I will probably lose. My life seems like a roller coaster where I reach the heights of victory but dread the down hill slide into despair as my experience tells me that this is the cycle.

One step forward and two steps back. This intense rising and falling does your head in. It can sear and tarnish your character.

Is it any wonder that the author of todays verse goes on to say  a few verses later; “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”

So how does God treat christians who make mistakes?

More on that tomorrow.

Let’s consider the following as we take the next step.

Questions

1. Do you find yourself on the roller coaster of despair and victory?
2. Does your frustration in this life exhaust you?

3.   What would it mean to you to realise that your mistakes may  not exclude you but be a part of your character development?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God.

My greatest desire is to do what you require Papa. I so want relief from this battle that rages within me and I so desire to spend eternity with you forever in Heaven. Fit me for this purpose Lord. Fill me with your holy Spirit as I take the next step. Thank you Lord that even though you know that I am a wretched sinner, that You still count me as a righteous person because of your Son Jesus Christ in who’s name I pray. Amen.

Have a great day with Jesus.

Graham Hood.