The Holy Bible says, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. (John 6:63)”
When we see a huge ship struggling in the tempest, no matter what we try but releasing an anchor can only be a hope to stabilize the whole body. Taking another instance, the small part of ship i.e. a rudder can define the direction of the huge ship. It seems insignificant when we compare the size of the ship and the size of the rudder or that of the anchor and start judging its importance of functionality by the sight. This is how we can relate it to our Body which is visible and mortal to the Spirit which is invisible and immortal. Here the fact is, problems in the body can be treated by cheering our Spirit. By knowing the Spirit of truth, He can set us free from every bondage.
I firmly believe that no one can say I have finished up meditating the word of God though he might say I have finished up reading the Gospel several times. It’s a living Word and every time you read it and meditate, God will give a newer and a deeper revelation. As per the Bible, God expects us to live by what we have received or what God has revealed to us. It says “…if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Phil 3:15-16).” Therefore we cannot really say the grade of spiritual maturity but we can just pursue on for the deeper relationship with God. Bible says, “ …Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14)”
Personally, I can just say, our body is a slave to our soul. As our soul sets the plan, body carry on the task. Body can’t perform anything without the consent of our soul. But one thing we can see here is, decision of our soul can always be influenced by three factors, i.e. Emotions, Intellect and Will. People who are very emotional and sensitive to environment often respond to the situation or Man in haste and with great sentiments. Whatever they do, even if it’s their own decision, they often regret and remorse when they look back and thus the feeling of guilt crops up which is not from God. Intellect is the ability to think and to act smart. Our Will is the Free Choice that differentiates us from the Machines or Robots. Lastly The Spirit, which is the supreme among Body and Soul. In Spirit we can meet with God and commune with God. Bible says, “God created Man in His own image. (Gen 1:27).” And then He talks about the Spirit. “ It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I ll send him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. ( John 16:7-8)” . It’s clear to us that we have been given everything which can give us the real joy, peace and satisfaction for our existence on earth but we never acknowledge the free gift that God has bestowed when we accept Christ. We often fall in Satan’s deception and are being deceived. We feel our body or our Soul is the supreme power and thus we try to feed them, fulfilling all their demands and desires. This is how we suppress the authority of our Spirit and we fall in temptations and get ourselves bonded with the sinful nature.
I praise to God, for out of love He again gave as a provision or shown us a way to be united back to our Father in Heaven. To bring our Body and soul under the subjection of Spirit. God has said, feast on the Word of God. He says,” Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Math 4:4)”. He again says, “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2).”
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. (Joh 6:27). For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world, (Joh 6:33). For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. (John 6:56). I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (Joh 6:35)” He again encourages us by saying “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they’ll be filled. (Math 5:6).” I thank God for He is so gracious and merciful.
He knows us and He feels exactly what we experience. In our sorrowful moments He has even wept with us.( John 11:35). No one can be as caring and as loving as He is. We need not have a qualification of graduation or a reference of a third party to reach Him. Only thing we require is to make a forward step with what we are and present our heart wholly to Him. “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1Sam 16:7)”
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, freed ourselves from the law and come under the Grace but still at times, we feel tempted, discouraged, depressed, angry, jealous, hatred, envy and whole lot of negative emotions. We question God, why God? Why still? I would say, it comes because God wants to make us as holy as He is and into His likeliness, thus when facing situations He makes His grace sufficient as well. “…My power is made perfect in weakness. (2Corin 12:9).” Breaking our self centeredness and building our Character, He wants us to manifest all the nine fruits of Spirit ( Gal 5:22), which we can gain through the period of furnace, the time when silver reflects n purity of gold comes.
In Isaiah, He says, “to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and break every yoke...( Isa 58:6)” A sincere and a true fasting, deliberate abstinence from food and feasting in the God’s word can do that. He even bless us with the wonderful promises of breaking forth our light like the dawn, bringing speedy healing, giving His glory, being available when we cry for help and guiding us always. It’s too wonderful as God says “..he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You ll be like a well- watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you ll be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. ( Isa 58:11-12)”. I believe fasting is the real time when we ll find our joy in the Lord and He can make us ride on the heights of the land and feast on the inheritance as God promised. ( Isa 58:14). He says, “ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ( 2Cor 3:17)”.
Therefore I would really encourage you to show an effort to subject your flesh to your Spirit and be led by the Spirit knowing the mysteries of God. *Conditions apply; Make Fasting your decision today and Feasting God’s word, your regular chores. It’s amazing to be in the presence of God!