RENEW | Day 14 • A Decision that Stills the Storm

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments


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NOTE: Excerpt from "Renew: Principles of Change for a Better Life." Get the ebook or book and Join In this 30-Day Devotional}
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Sometimes inner questions and conflicts rage like a storm. The Apostle Paul described his experience, which will seem very familiar to many of us. Note Paul’s honesty in sharing about his “storm.” 

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. (Romans 7:15-21)

Here is how Paul resolved his issue:
For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man .... I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:22, 25)

Paul did not “cave in” to his feelings and urges, but nor did he deny them. He recognized two realities: 1) The “flesh” (which is our human nature absent God) is always committed to going the wrong way. 2) Making a decision with one’s mind to serve the “law of God” (The Word of God) changes one’s focus and position to a place of victory! 

It is not “mind over matter.” It is “mind on God” that makes the difference.

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Reflection Question: What decision can you make that will stop an inner conflict in your life?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:
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