Have you ever been in a predicament where there is something that you really want for yourself, but it always eludes you? Or maybe there’s a goal that you’re confident you can achieve, but you just can’t seem to make things happen? You try one way, and your blocked. You try something else…blocked! No matter what you try, something seems to always prevent you from moving ahead. It's as if you are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
There are usually two reasons why we run up against scenarios like this. One of those reasons is that sometimes we are pursuing things of which we have no business, and the other is that our way is being blocked by the enemy. Both of these are indicators that we need to pause and seek God for revelation knowledge. He will freely provide it if we are truly desiring to know the truth.
We must be aware that there are some things that we want for ourselves that are not in alignment with the purpose God created us to fulfill. Acquiring these things or indulging in the activities to pursue them will take us off the mark. Not only will it diminish your stamina and slow your momentum, but it might cause you to lose time. Stamina and momentum you may be able to recover, but time is lost forever.
God does not withhold our blessings. He wants us to have the best at all times and in every situation. He knows when our desires will cause us to fall into dangerous territory. Through the Holy Spirit that indwells us, God will help us to steer clear if we will pay attention to the signals we are receiving.
Galatians 5:17(NLT) tell us that, “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” We are three-part beings; spirit, soul, and body. The body is referred to as the flesh. It has a will that fights against the will of the Spirit. The will of the flesh is to do things that please and pleasure it. This is operating at a very base level; a level that is beneath our spiritual privilege as God’s sons and daughters.
Our spiritual nature in Christ is to do what pleases our Heavenly Father. We are spiritual beings, and we were created to reign, and have dominion and authority in the Spirit of Christ. Our bodies are the temple of the Spirit. 1Corinthians 6:19(NLT) tells us, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,” The flesh has a purpose, and it is to provide a place of residence for the Spirit. It was made from dust, and it will return to dust. It will not last. Our spirits are eternal through Christ, and walking by the Spirit of Christ that rests within us is our destiny; it is how we will come to know our true identity.
Although it might seem like the hardest and longest battle, God commands us to put the flesh in check. It is not designed to hold a position of governance in our lives.
As Christians who live to please God, we should keep in the forefront of our minds that our destinies have already been laid out. God instituted a plan for our lives long before we were born. He already knows what we need, and has orchestrated a way to supply it. He designed life to give us green lights and red lights to help keep us on the path.
In John 10:10 (NLT), Jesus Christ told us, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The devil’s mission is to block us from reaching the rich and satisfying life that Jesus Christ made available. The enemy will try and blind us, to keep us so preoccupied with our own agendas that we do not hear God speaking to us, or recognize the writing on the wall.
James 4:7(NLT) tells us “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Sure, we have these urges in the flesh. They can be very strong at times. They compel and call out to our minds and hearts to go against the grain of what God has told us is right and good. We are tempted by the devil to give in. This happened to Adam and Eve, and it is still happening to us, but James 4:7 assures us that there is a way out. We must humble ourselves and trust that the way of God is the best and right way. Then, we must stand firmly anchored in this truth. We must have faith in God, and resist the trick and attack from the enemy; and he will flee.
The world is full of temporary pleasures. They will not last and are designed to take us off the mark. Our Heavenly Father is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega. He is endless, eternal, and all-powerful. It is in Him that we should place our entire lives. Mathew 6:19–21(NLT) encourages us, “Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Our treasure is our walk with God. If we stay in the plan He has for us, we will store up Godly treasures that will last forever. The devil cannot get to them and destroy them. But if we walk by the flesh, we will lose the battle.
Stay on the winning side. Walk by the Spirit. Read the Word of God and seek Him for greater understanding about what the enemy is using to block you. When you know the truth, you can pray authoritatively. You will get unblocked, and receive God’s best.■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Taking Control of Your Thoughts” written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2017. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.