Always On Duty

*"The strongest evidence of man’s fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, hour by hour. In one moment, by a hasty, unguarded act, we may place ourselves in the power of evil; but it requires more than a moment to break the fetters and attain to a holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun; but its accomplishment will require toil, time, perseverance, patience, and sacrifice"

This was part of what I read this morning for my personal devotion.
I'm so glad I read about this particular subject for this is what I really needed...

Why?

Well I kinda forget at times that victory doesn't come that easy, and  then I get stuck in trying and trying "in my own power " I don't get anywhere. Then I flop down in frustration, and ask myself, "Why?"

Now this is the answer to the question...

*"We cannot allow ourselves to act from impulse. We cannot be off guard for a moment. Beset with temptations without number, we must resist firmly or be conquered. Should we come to the close of life with our work undone, it would be an eternal loss".

Then this paragraph continued to lay the ax to the root.

*"The life of the apostle Paul was a constant conflict with self. He said, “I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did God’s will, however crucifying to his nature."

"Does this describe you? "
"No."

*"At the close of his life of conflict, looking back over its struggles and triumphs, he could say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7,8

It couldn't come any more plain, the shoe perfectly fit.

This is the challenge:

*The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.
No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles. Individually we are responsible for the issues of the struggle; though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.

Persevering effort on my behalf must be.
So this, by God's grace will be kept fresh in my mind, so the, "getting stuck" and the "frustration " wouldn't have to be. I must be always on duty.


                                                                              *Ministry of Healing 452,453