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. (Galatians 2:20)
Why do the people of religion perish? They do not know, accept, and believe the good news that Jesus is the Christ. What is, then, the reason for the continual failure of many believers? To them, the good news that Jesus is the Christ is not everything.
Their old self still lives and rules their own 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. They are still holding onto something else. As a result, they cannot escape from their own spiritual problems.
Scripture warns us that the devil goes around like a roaring lion looking for believers to devour (1 Pe 5:8). Scripture also commands us not to give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27). The enemy constantly tries to trap us with various spiritual problems through idols, ideologies, philosophy, religion, humanism, anxiety, and jealousy.
This is why so many of us are tired and weary from carrying the heavy burden we have been forced to carry without being able to experience rest in Christ. We don’t find the gospel easy and light (Mt 11:28-30). We need spiritual healing.
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 the sharpest sword and cuts into us. It cuts deep to where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts (Heb 4:12).
When only Christ remains in our lives, all the power of the enemy will collapse (Jn 17:1-8). Only by the power of the Holy Spirit will we be able to overcome the world. (Ac 1:8).
Only by living a life of continual prayer will everything in our lives be restored. Only by living a life of Christ’s witnesses will we know God’s perfect time, plans, and answers (Ac 2:1-47).
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 (Jn 8:44). Don’t let him fool you with your long-standing spiritual problems. Hold onto Christ alone. Make Christ your Christ. Make the gospel your gospel.
Do not also be deceived by your old self. You can be truly honest before God. You cannot and don’t have to hide anything from God. If you think you can, you are only fooling yourself. You will harvest from your own spiritual problems. Rely on the power of the blood of Christ. That is the only way to stop living to satisfy your sinful self. Live a life that pleases the Spirit, and you will harvest eternal life (Gal 6:7-8).
And do not be deceived by your present circumstances. What you see is not the end, no matter how miserable and hopeless that may seem. Nothing is impossible for God, who has given you the only name by which you must be saved (Rom 7:24-25).
Your present circumstances are a God-ordained opportunity. All hardships are an instrument God has chosen to bless you. When you are in trouble, know that it is God’s perfect time to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Remember, your True King Jesus, who destroyed the devil’s work, lives in you. Your True Priest, who broke the curses of sin over you, lives in you. Your True Prophet, who opened the way from hell to heaven, lives in you.
So, do not worry about anything. Do not let your spiritual problems trap you any longer. Live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave himself for you.
Why did God use Paul? He sought out remnants and preached the gospel to them. He also carried out healing ministries. Therefore, we must be healed by the power of the gospel and heal others, or evangelism and missions are practically impossible. Embrace it in your heart.
Prayer. Father, thank You for healing my spirit and soul through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me hold onto only Your word, only Christ, only the Holy Spirit, only prayer, and only evangelism throughout my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.