Recently, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the scriptural mandate in James 5:16 to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
So, I swallowed my pride, reached out to a friend, confessed my sins and asked for prayer.
That simple act of obedience encouraged my friend to share her sins with me and ask for prayer as well.
Then, she said every time she’d be tempted to indulge the sin she’s currently struggling with, she’d pray for me—because when she gives into sin, it makes her so self-centered.
She said in doing this, her focus would be shifted on me instead.
And then I said I’d do the same.
We both realized the ugly, gloomy and cold weather we’ve been experiencing in recent weeks have caused us to let our guards down; to get sloppy and lazy in our “putting to death the misdeeds of the body.”
The Lord cautions us to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers (sisters) throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
And the best part of that passage. . . “God will restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” (I Peter 5:8-10)
That’s what I want to be: strong, firm, steadfast!
In reality, there are no days off, no vacations, no holidays, no excuses to give into the sinful nature. If we do, we’ll become ravenously devoured and destroyed by the devil himself.
Whether it’s one’s spiritual inheritance, finances, health, relationships. . . the devil is prowling around, seeking someone to devour.
And the truth is, we have no choice but to resist and stand firm in the faith. . . if we want to live a victorious, overcoming life.
Today, if you are struggling with the sinful nature (other names for it: ego, the flesh, old man, carnal natures, evil desires, sin, earthly nature, old self. . .and some even call if the addictive monster or squealing pig within). . . .I encourage you to reach out to someone who will pray for you.
God will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Here’s to your victory over the “squealing pig within.”
God’s overcoming victory to all!
For practical tips on how to overcome the sinful nature, go to the “Spiritual Care” section (pages 84-91) of my book, STARVED TO OBESITY. Although, the focus of my book is on escaping food addiction, the tips apply to overcoming any “addictive monster within.”