I’m in a battle this morning. It’s an epic battle. Who will win?

My battle this morning is NOT against Satan; he is a defeated foe.
My battle is not against another person.

My battle is against me. My flesh vs. My Spirit.

Today is the first official day of returning to school and my flesh is in an uproar.

My flesh says, “Why can’t I just work from home?
My spirit says, “Do all things without complaining that you may shine like stars.” (Philippians 2:14)

My flesh says, “No one is going to learn anything.”
My spirits says, “Everything is possible for those who believe.” Mark 9:23

My flesh says, “I am inept on how to make this work.”
My spirits says, “I can do all things through Christ.” Philippians 4:13

My flesh says, “I should just retire.”
My spirit says, “His grace is sufficient.” II Corinthians 12:9

My flesh says, “What I’ve done before, will not work.”
My spirit says, “God is doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19

My flesh says, “I won’t be able to cultivate relationships with my students?”
My spirits says, “God’s favor surrounds me like a shield.” Psalms 5:12

My flesh says, “This is futile.”
My flesh says, “Everything you put your hands to will prosper and succeed.” Deuteronomy 28:8.

My flesh wants to scream.
My spirit wants to worship.

My flesh wants to fear.
My spirit wants to trust.

My flesh wants to complain.
My spirit wants to pray.

My flesh wants to demand my rights.
My spirit wants to put others needs above my own.

My flesh wants to be offended.
My spirit wants to love.

Who is going to win the ultimate battle? My spirit has the power of the cross. But my flesh has the home court advantage.

My hope, as I go to work every morning this year, is that my spirit wins. I want to be light in the darkness. Hope in despair. A balm in Gilead. Salt in the weariness. Joy in the struggle. A representation of Jesus.

This is my Battle Plan to win this war:

1. I will feed my spirit with the word and worship.
2. I will starve my flesh by hanging around positive people and avoiding negative voices on Facebook.
3. I will give my flesh plenty of physical rest and healthy foods (that tends to calm her down.)
4. I will stay connected to God, hearing His whisper and gentle voice reminding me whose I am and who I am.
5. I will give myself grace if sometimes my flesh wins an occasional battle, knowing my spirit will win the ultimate war.
6. I will meditate on God’s love so that I can love God and love others.

What is your Battle Plan to win this war? (I’ve been reading some of your Facebook posts and I think some of you need a revised plan.)

May the spirit win today!