A few years ago, I realized that I was still struggling with some of the same issues that I had when I was first born-again. I couldn’t understand it, because I didn’t want to be struggling with those same issues, they didn’t represent the new me. But the more I beat myself up for falling back into old temptations, the more I felt like I was bound. 

 

I cried about it, prayed about it, I even fasted about it, but nothing seemed to change in that area. Then one day God spoke to me about it, reminding me, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves, (Galatians 5:16, NLT).”

 

He explained that as long as I remained in the old fleshly way of thinking concerning the matter, I would remain in the old fleshly behaviors that my old self engaged in. The problem was, that I am a new creation, and old things old have passed away. But for me at that time they hadn’t passed away. The old self passed away, but the old behaviors did not. I had to put them away, by walking in the newness of the Spirit. Which meant changing my thinking to match my new life. 

 

Immediately, I knew I had to follow the directions of Romans 12:2 (NLT), “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

 

Since I have changed my way of thinking, I am no longer plagued with thoughts that cause me to stumble into the old behaviors of the old sinful woman that I used to be. I am growing into the newness of life God promised me. Joyce Meyer always says, “Where the mind goes, the man will follow.” 

 

She’s absolutely right, so we must change our minds to change our behaviors. God asked me to examine what triggered the thoughts, and I saw that they were triggered by me looking for comfort. I know that sounds silly, but do you know that most sinful behavior is a result of the flesh looking for some kind of comfort, or sinful pleasure? Despite my shock, I was able to clearly see the problem and make the necessary adjustments; with the help of my Comforter, the Holy Spirit. I realized that I don’t need to use a thing, or an idle thought, to comfort myself. I have God for that, and He does all things well! 

 

I am grateful that I took the matter to God and listened to the wisdom of His Word. You can do the same. All it takes is honesty to confess your mess, humility to listen to God and obedience to follow His instructions. We can’t fail unless we fail to pray and obey. If you are still struggling with any form of sin, consider how you are thinking. Renewing your mind can also transform you. 

 

You can do it! I know you can! I’m praying for your success! Will you pray and invite God into the problem so that He can invite you into His victory? He has a better way of thinking that creates a better way of being. 

 

Prayer:

Father, please help me to allow you to show me the error of my ways. It's not easy to look at the truth about myself, but I must face it to overcome the bondage that sinfulness has caused. Help me to stay on the right path by becoming transformed by the renewing of my mind to align with Your Word. Thank You for forgiving me along my journey because I might stumble along the way, but I'm hopeful and grateful that You will not let me fall. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen!