Devotionals

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“Who among us has not learned from his own experience that it requires another Spirit than the world can give to follow Christ fully?” – 17th-century Puritan pastor

What a true statement! There are a great many people who profess Christ, but so few who are actually Christ-followers. Many who profess Christ may have a desire to be real followers, but so few have the bravery and determination it takes to submit to Christ’s authority and gain the victory. Look at Israel – they happily followed Moses out of Egypt, but as soon as a little discomfort came their way, they were ready to retreat and go back! It was easier to be in bondage than to believe in God’s promises.

We aren’t any different. Many of us also retreat and return to bondage when faced with the possibility of suffering for Christ. We will gladly name ourselves among the saints of God and claim a place in the inheritance, but when our faith is put to the test, many of us shrink back in fear and doubt. The cares of this present life, the demands of our careers and families, and the pursuit of comfort have crippled most who began a walk with Christ but turned back.

We all have experienced doubts and fears in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. We have all experienced the desire to turn when we’re pinched by discomfort, to return to that which is familiar, even though poisonous to our souls. But we have a great Advocate, a willing Savior, who sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. We have been promised the gift of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And make no mistake – we cannot win this race without the inner presence of the Spirit of God.

When we are faced with a choice to stand on Christ, or turn and run, we must cry out to God and petition Him to impart to us His strength and courage to stay the course and run the race! We must cry out to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to be clothed with power from on high! Only then can we hope to persevere and to endure what comes our way, so that we may finish the race and win the prize.

We cannot equip ourselves and we will fail under our own power. But, with God, we are more than conquerors.

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