As days come and go, things change in us, as Children of God – in our lives and in the way we view things. When we look at the changes God has brought into our lives, the changes have all been positive. Everyday our love for Him grows; everyday our life bears more and more fruit.

We would never have designed our journey; we would never have planned to pass through this valley. But of course, we could not and cannot see the future; we do not see the final goal as God sees it, according to His Purpose in Christ.

Our problem is that we are still in the flesh, as we have a great war going on inside us, between our flesh and our spirit.

This war did not begin until we were converted to Christ; for then our spirit was separated from our soul. Our spirit now has Christ dwelling in it; for we have been made a “new creature” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been given “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:17-24). Therefore, we are no longer bond slaves to unrighteousness (to our flesh, to the old man). But we are slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:1-22).

Even though we have the Power of Christ within us and have the Victory of Christ (1 John 5:4); there is still a war between the flesh and the spirit (Galatians 5:17).

Though we are yet in the flesh, we have been regenerated and we are overcomers; we realize this is found in the Fruit of the Spirit working out of us (Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:13).

And yet, God has ordered surrender, submission, obedience, and endurance to manifest His Power living within us. Hallelujah! (See Luke 14:26-33; Romans 8:1-16; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 7:24-27; 15:58; John 14:15; 13:34-35; and many, many others.)

For us to be proclaimed as overcomers, we must continue to yield ourselves to Christ – every moment of every day. Then, and then only, will we experience the Victory in our daily lives.

But Reader, thank God for this war inside us! This war is proof we are Children of God. Thank God for the trials and tribulations; for in them we get patience and hope (Romans 5:3-5), and we become perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4).

Reader, be thankful we are in the same army, the same fighting force (the Army of God). Be thankful we are fighting the adversary side by side; and a three-fold cord – God, you, and me – is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Thank God we lean upon Him and not upon our own understanding and strength. We trust in the Lord; therefore He directs our path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The truth of the matter is that God is the Reason our love for Him exists; He is the Reason it has grown, borne fruit, and is being sustained. God is the central Ingredient that makes our lives priceless.

Praise God that He placed in each of us a desire to please Him, and to praise Him, because He has given us the Power to do so! He is the Reason we have what we have in our lives; He is the Reason for all these positive changes! Amen and Amen!