And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:(Ephesians 2:6)
From Frustration to Victory: Renewing the Mind
Many Christians today are walking around frustrated and discouraged. They love God and want to grow, yet they find the Christian life feels nearly impossible to sustain. We all have strengths, but we also have those recurring weaknesses that cause us to stumble. Whether it’s a major life struggle or small foxe like gossip, overeating, or procrastination, these persistent habits can spoil the vine of our spiritual lives.
How many times have you resolved to change, only to find yourself falling into the same trap three times in a row?
The Apostle Paul’s Struggle
You aren’t alone in that frustration. The Apostle Paul felt that same internal war. In Romans 7:19-20, he describes the agony of wanting to do good but finding himself doing the very things he hates. It was eating him up inside.
However, by the time we get to Romans 8, Paul is singing a different tune. He discovered a revelation that changed everything:
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ( Romans 8:6)
Identifying the True Battleground
Years ago, the comedian Flip Wilson became famous for the catchphrase, “The devil made me do it.” While it made people laugh, sin is a serious matter with real consequences. Interestingly, when Paul discusses overcoming these weaknesses, he doesn’t blame the devil. Instead, he points to the carnal mind.
While the enemy is real, we often attribute things to the devil that are actually just issues of the flesh. Paul went straight to the source. In Romans 12:2, he commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Why? Because the mind is the ultimate battleground where victory or defeat is decided.
Choosing Victory Today
If you want to see your life change, you must decide to renew your mind. Shift your focus from your weaknesses to the Word of God. When you align your thoughts with His truth, you move from the frustration of Romans 7 into the life and peace of Romans 8.
A Prayer for Renewal
Father, I come to You today acknowledging my weaknesses. Forgive me for the times I’ve let discouragement take root and felt like giving up. I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. Today, I command my thoughts, my will, and my emotions to line up with Your Word. I submit my soul to Your Spirit. I declare that I have the mind of Christ, drawing upon His wisdom and revelation. I recognize that I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, and through Him, I have authority over sin, the flesh, and every form of oppression.
Victory is mine in Jesus’ name—Amen!
Reprinted and rewritten courtesy of WordandGrace ministries.
The Christian Corner Ministries 