Romans 7:19 (New Living Translation)

“I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

Do you feel the same way as the apostle Paul does in the verse above? This is a realization of our inner struggle to do what is good and avoid what is evil. If you ever felt this way, you are not alone. A lot of Christians experience this, and probably more often than non-Christians do! In fact, when you decide to follow Christ, it will appear like you have more restrictions in life than you did when you have not received Jesus yet.

Do not be alarmed, rather be joyful. This is an indication of the Holy Spirit working in you! The only worse thing about doing what is wrong is not realizing and admitting that what you did was wrong. When you have done something that displeases God, repent and ask God for forgiveness, and ask God to help you to not make the same mistake again. When you are constantly dealing with this inner struggle, you must pause and recognize that this is a clear sign of the areas in your life that you need to improve. Deal with them one step at a time, constantly asking God’s help to give you wisdom and courage to follow His will. God will definitely be pleased when you can finally say, “I want to do what is good, and I DO it. I don’t want to do what is wrong, so I DON’T do it.”

CHALLENGE: Identify the instances when you knew the right thing to do but decided to do otherwise, and the times when you knew that your action is wrong immediately after you have done it. What could have helped you make the right decision? What could have prevented you from choosing evil over good? Ask God to give you the strength to overcome your inner struggles as you walk with Him DAILY.

PRAYER:  Father, forgive me for the times when I chose to disobey You. I realize that I have done wrong and I feel sorry. Please help me to choose whatever pleases You. Teach me to think wisely and act according to Your will. Help me to stay away from places and situations where I can easily give in to what I know is wrong. Make me humble and obedient to my parents, teachers, and elders. Help me to listen to the Holy Spirit and give me the boldness to stand up for what is right and to not be ashamed of my Christian faith. All these I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.