Remember that the spirit is willing
Prayer and Fasting Tips January 12th, 2008Romans 7:21-25 (AMP)
21 So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.
22 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].
23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
24 O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?
25 O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
I have often heard people when faced with temptation or trial say, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38), and they are correct.
However, I believe that in error the emphasis is commonly placed on the flesh and its weakness. You see, as I read Jesus’ charge to his disciples, I read that “the spirit is willing.”
If you are reading this, your spirit is willing. If you have been thinking about fasting, your spirit is willing. If you have thought about tithing for the first time, your spirit is willing. If you know that you need to make a change in your life but just don’t know where to turn or which way to go, your spirit is willing.
As was the case for Paul thousands of years ago, so it is for you today as you read this. Whatever it is your spirit is leading you to do for God, you can be certain that your flesh will argue against it.
There will be plenty of reasons, plenty of excuses why it is not a good idea to press on. I encourage you with all my heart to press on, to lean on Jesus Christ and not on your own understanding.
If you have fallen, get up again. If you have stumbled, begin to run again with passion and determination.
2008 is going to be the greatest year of your life . . . indeed, the spirit is willing.
Josh Queitsch
Celebration Staff
January 12th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
This hits us at just the right time. The Spirit is willing…that’s what’s pushing us. Last night a friend came to me with tears in her eyes. Someone she loved very much was questioning her fast- that she wasn’t showing enough of a change. This was a girl who was totally away from God and on the brink of addictions just 5 months ago….and she was hurting badly at this doubt. But the spirit in her is willing! Thank God that He drives us on. Great word!
January 12th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
This is extreamly true. We all need to work through the hungers of the flesh to feed the hungers of God. 2008 is a new year and a great year to quench a willing spirit! Can’t wait to see what god is willing to bring.
January 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Dear Josh,
What a word in due season and how beautifully written. When the arguments are so strong and peace has left our horizon we can know that we are in a war and peace will only come upon our unconditional surrender to His ways and His purpose in our lives. It is true that the longer we suppress our flesh the weaker it grows. It is also true that it is only when we yield to His power, which is so available, and when we humble ourselves do we receive the power to deny the carnal nature.
” Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”
I love you, Josh, and am so proud of you! The Holy Spirit has gifted you in so many ways and what a joy it is to read your beautiful communication to the Body of Christ. It so spoke to my heart!
Love,
Margie
January 14th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Q-
This is such a timely word. Thank you for being obedient and writing this.
January 14th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Josh what an incredibly encouraging word especially during a time when many of us are waiting with open and expectant hearts for God to work miracles in our lives. Thank you for reminding us that the choices we make and the steps we then take are made easier through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - and that God absolutely never fails in what He wants to work in us. Love it!