“Sin doesn’t leave me merely guilty; it renders me unable.” Tripp writes those words in today’s devotion. Let’s think about that further. I’m going to borrow some of his wording:

• It robs me of the ability to live in a way that pleases the Father.
• Sin kidnaps my desires and distorts my thoughts.
• It controls my tongue and rules my behavior.
• It saps my resolve and weakens my knees.
• It leaves me lame, weak, and unable.

This has nothing to do with TULIP as far as I can see. It is the result of the old man in me still wanting to keep his grip on me. But it also shows me how badly I need the control of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am unable to win this battle on my own. I can’t be obedient on my own. I can’t deal with sin on my own.

God desires my life to be His, to be lived for His glory. I can’t do that on my own either. Trust me…I’ve tried. That’s a big, black hole of defeat and wasted effort. Only as I am-and allow-God to radically transform me can I or will I come out victorious in the end.

“Father, as your child, I’ve been given a gift-the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He has been given as my Helper, my Comforter, my power. (John 4:4)  Help me to win this battle-not on or by my own strength-but by the power of Your Spirit in me. Let sin lose its hold on me because your power is greater. Transform my life.”