Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matt. 26:41 KJV).

Many of us will easily identify with the reality of the scripture above. For example, there are times when I am fully awake, and my mind is sharp and active, until it is time to pray. Suddenly I get tired and begin to yawn! Have you had a similar experience? The flesh does not like the things of God. To pursue God, the flesh must be carried along against its will. You will never seek God if you only do what the flesh wants.

The spirit is willing to seek God in prayer and fellowship, but the flesh will give you all sorts of reasons why now is not a good time for spiritual things. The flesh wants you to feed its cravings. Have you realized that it is so easy to engage in your favorite recreational activity for hours, without getting tired, but it’s hard to find a fraction of that time for the things of God? The war between the spirit and the flesh is ongoing. It will continue for as long as we are still in this fallen, broken body- until the Lord’s return. Therefore, while we wait for our glorious, new bodies, remember that your spirit will desire God, but your flesh will never tell you it’s ready!

MEDITATE

Why is the spirit in you willing to seek God (Gal. 4:6)? Why is the flesh weak in the things of God (Rom. 7:14, 18)?

APPLY THE WORD

Learn to say no to the cravings of the body. You may need to pray even when your body wants to sleep!

PRAY

Ask the Father to help you grow stronger in spirit so you can overcome the dictates of your flesh.

Recommended Read: The flesh is weak so guide it always

Must Read!: What is a Daily Devotional?

Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing