The Battle of Your Life

The Battle Within: Which Mind Will Rule Your Life?
Every believer faces a daily battle that many don't even realize they're fighting. It's not a battle against external circumstances or other people - it's the war between two minds dwelling within us. This internal struggle determines whether we'll choose to do things God's way or our own way.

Learning from Isaac's Steadfast Faith
Isaac's life teaches us valuable lessons about faithfulness and trust in God's promises. Unlike his father Abraham, who had dramatic ups and downs, Isaac lived a steady, faithful life. He didn't allow circumstances to cause him to walk in fear and doubt. Instead, Isaac learned from his parents to walk by faith.

What Made Isaac Different?
Isaac's testimony was simple but powerful: "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come" (Hebrews 11:20). He understood that God keeps His promises, and he knew where to take his problems and desires - straight to the Lord.

When Isaac and Rebekah struggled with infertility for 20 years, Isaac didn't try to help God out like his father had done with Hagar. Instead, he "entreated the Lord" for his wife. The word "entreat" means to pour yourself out completely before God, giving whatever you can for the Lord.

The Prophecy That Reveals Our Inner Battle
When Rebekah finally conceived, she experienced something troubling - the children were struggling together within her womb. Rather than seeking advice from others or posting on social media for validation, she went directly to inquire of the Lord.

God's response revealed a profound truth: "Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people, and the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).

Two Minds in Every Believer
If you are a child of God, born again by the Holy Spirit, you have two minds dwelling within you - like Esau and Jacob fighting in the womb. These represent your flesh (your old nature) and your spirit (your new nature in Christ). The Bible tells us that our flesh is at enmity with God and always will be.

James 1:8 warns us: "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." This double-mindedness is actually evidence that you're saved - unsaved people don't experience this internal conflict between righteousness and sin.

Which Mind Will Be Stronger?
Here's the crucial question: Which mind will rule in your life? God told Rebekah that one would be stronger than the other, but He didn't specify which one. The answer depends entirely on which one you feed.

The Principle of Feeding
Just like the old story of two fighting dogs - the one that wins is the one that gets fed. If you want your spirit to be strong and rule over your flesh, you must feed your spirit. If you consistently feed your flesh through worldly entertainment, sinful thoughts, and selfish desires, your flesh will dominate.

Many believers struggle because they spend hours feeding their flesh through television, social media, and worldly pursuits, then wonder why they can't walk in victory. The solution isn't trying harder - it's changing what you feed your mind and spirit.

God's Battle Plan for Victory
James 4:7-8 gives us clear instructions for winning this internal battle:
Step 1: Submit to God
"Submit yourselves therefore to God." This is your first move, not God's. Stop waiting for God to remove temptation or take away desires. The first step is always yours.
Step 2: Resist the Devil
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This means resisting everything that's not God. When you consistently resist ungodly influences, they lose their power over you.
Step 3: Draw Near to God
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." Don't just resist the negative - actively pursue the positive. Fill your mind with God's Word, worship, and prayer. When you move toward God, He promises to move toward you.

The Process of Spiritual Victory
Cleanse Your Hands and Purify Your Heart
James continues: "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded." This means:

• Stop doing what hinders God - Don't make provision for your flesh
• Let God's Word renew your mind - Allow Scripture to transform your thinking
• Be afflicted over your sin - Suffer through not doing what your flesh wants
• Mourn and weep - Be genuinely broken over your shortcomings

Humble Yourself Before God
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." When you truly humble yourself and recognize your need for God, He promises to lift you up and give you victory.

The Daily Choice
This battle happens every single day. You can't choose victory for tomorrow - tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. But God has already prepared everything you need for tomorrow's battles. Your job is simply to follow Him today, submit to Him today, and choose His way today.

Stop Benching Jesus
Too many believers have Jesus sitting on the bench while they let other things "start" in their lives. Jesus is infinitely better at winning life's battles than you are. Let Him off the bench and watch Him work in your life.

Life Application
This week, make a conscious decision about which mind you're going to feed. Instead of trying harder to be better, focus on drawing closer to God. Consider "binge-watching" Jesus instead of worldly entertainment. Listen only to music that glorifies Him. Read Scripture while asking God to draw near to you.
Questions for Reflection:

• Which mind am I feeding more - my flesh or my spirit?
• What specific areas of my life show that my flesh is winning the battle?
• How can I practically "draw nigh to God" in my daily routine?
• What do I need to stop doing that's making provision for my flesh?
• Am I trying to win spiritual battles in my own strength instead of submitting to God?

Remember, God will do His part when you do yours. Submit to Him, resist everything that's not Him, and draw near to Him. He promises to draw near to you and give you the victory you've been seeking.