When we stumble in our walks with Christ, we must not sit down and give up. We must press on in following Him.  

Romans 12:1-2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, continually offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God. He knows that we need renewal daily—even hourly—as we walk with Him in this world. And Satan knows he can only defeat us if we lose focus.

Sadly, this lack of focus and discipline is the reality of many believers. They are too busy; they miss their quiet time; they get distracted. And sooner or later, they discover they have been drawn away from obedience to Christ and are once again indulging their old selves and following the way of Satan along that broad road that leads to destruction (see Matthew 7:13). 

But there is no reason for you to stay defeated. Satan may be a seasoned foe, strong and persistent and armed with deadly weapons, but he cannot overwhelm you when you are focused on following Christ.

The apostle Peter is a great example and encouragement to all Christians as we struggle and stumble in this fallen world. He fell so badly, so many times. But, he knew how to accept God’s forgiveness and start again. By the time he wrote his epistles, he spoke from a wealth of personal experience. From it, he exhorts us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). So, be vigilant in your obedience to the Lord as you seek freedom from the bondage of sin.

This way, the next time Satan tries to tempt you to slide back into bondage, you can realize your need to look to Christ, remember what He has done for you, resist Satan’s attack with God’s promises, and rejoice because your present struggle is not the final word. The cross is.

Be encouraged. Christ came to give us life—true life full of power, joy, and peace in the midst of trouble—and give it abundantly. Nothing is impossible for Him. Challenges will come every day, but Christ has freed us from slavery to sin and given us His Spirit so that we can follow Him in righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for clothing me in Your righteousness and giving me Your power for persevering obedience. Help me to renew my mind daily with Your Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

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