Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Why do the people of religion perish? They do not know, accept, or believe the good news that Jesus is the Christ. What, then, is the reason for the continual failure of many believers? Simply put, to them, the good news that Jesus is the Christ is not everything.
Because of this, their old self still lives and rules their lives. Christ is not the Lord of their lives. They are still sitting on the throne. They do not live by faith in Christ alone, but continue holding on to something else. As a result, they cannot escape their spiritual problems.
This ongoing struggle is not without cause. Scripture warns us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for believers to devour (1 Peter 5:8). At the same time, we are commanded not to give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). The enemy constantly seeks to trap us through idols, ideologies, philosophy, religion, humanism, anxiety, and jealousy.
Consequently, many believers find themselves tired and weary, burdened by struggles they cannot overcome. They carry heavy loads without experiencing true rest in Christ. The gospel, which should be light and freeing, no longer feels that way to them (Matthew 11:28–30). What they truly need is spiritual healing.
So where does this healing come from? Spiritual healing comes only from complete reliance on God’s covenant—namely, His Word. The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword and pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
When this Word takes root and only Christ remains in our lives, something remarkable happens: all the power of the enemy collapses (John 17:1–8). Furthermore, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to overcome the world (Acts 1:8).
In order for this to become a reality in our lives, there is a path we must take. Only by living a life of continual prayer will everything be restored. And only by living as Christ’s witnesses will we come to know God’s perfect time, plans, and answers (Acts 2:1–47).
Therefore, do not be deceived by the devil. He is always against the truth. There is no truth in him—everything he says is a lie. He is the father of lies (John 8:44). Do not let him deceive you through long-standing spiritual problems. Instead, hold on to Christ alone. Make Christ your Christ. Make the gospel your gospel.
At the same time, do not be deceived by your old self. You can be completely honest before God. You cannot—and do not need to—hide anything from Him. If you think you can, you are only deceiving yourself. You will reap from your own spiritual problems. Rather, rely on the power of the blood of Christ. That is the only way to stop living to satisfy your sinful nature. Live to please the Spirit, and you will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:7–8).
In addition, do not be deceived by your present circumstances. What you see is not the end, no matter how miserable or hopeless it may seem. Nothing is impossible for God, who has given you the only name by which you must be saved (Romans 7:24–25).
Seen correctly, your present circumstances are not obstacles but God-ordained opportunities. Every hardship is an instrument God uses for your blessing. When you are in trouble, recognize that it is God’s perfect time to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Above all, remember who dwells within you. Your True King, Jesus—who destroyed the works of the devil—lives in you. Your True Priest—who broke the curse of sin over you—lives in you. Your True Prophet—who opened the way from hell to heaven—lives in you.
For this reason, do not worry about anything. Do not let spiritual problems trap you any longer. Instead, live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you.
Finally, consider the example of Paul. Why did God use him? He sought out the remnants and preached the gospel to them, and he carried out a ministry of healing. This shows us something essential: we must first be healed by the power of the gospel and then bring that healing to others. Without this, evangelism and missions become practically impossible.
So embrace this truth in your heart.
Prayer. Father, thank You for healing my spirit and soul through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to hold on to only Your Word, only Christ, only the Holy Spirit, only prayer, and only evangelism throughout my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.