Welcome to Part 2 of Having a Consecrated Heart. This post focuses on the weakness of our flesh alongside the willingness of our spirits. Tap here if you missed Part 1 of this series.
At times we may struggle with living lives of consecration before the Lord. Our emotions or flesh may want to take us in other directions, or our own desires may not be aligned with God’s Word. Nonetheless, as our hearts grow in love for God, we will continue to fight the good fight of faith, wanting God’s will and not our own.
Jesus Himself struggled with the Cross and suffering that was coming as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Though the Lord knew it would be excruciatingly painful to suffer not only the physical pain but also the wrath of God poured upon Him for the sins of the whole world, He desired to do the Father’s will and to make the way for us to be restored to relationship with Him:
“….’Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.’ Now an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” – Luke 22:42-43 (AMP)
As we face our own weaknesses, Jesus can truly sympathize with us. He can relate, and He also gives us grace to walk with consecrated hearts before the Father as He did. He knows that even though the flesh is weak, our spirits are willing (Matthew 26:41). Even in the face of temptation, He sees in our hearts the desire to love Him, seeking His Kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).
It is His desire also, and so He is there to help us as we grow in learning to deny ourselves. He will help you to fall more in love with Him, and this passion for Him will help you to walk in obedience to His will out of affection for Him.
Be encouraged, keep pursuing God and His will, and allow His grace and love to help you all along the way. The simple “yes” in your heart to live for Him, even when you fall short, reveals your heart that is consecrated–set apart–for Him. Your heart is beautiful to Father God.
By the blood of Christ, we have been made clean as new creations in Him, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live the set apart life even in the face of trials or temptation.
Continue to Part 3, the final post in this series.
Inspiring Passion for Jesus Christ 