The Refinery Devotion

August 25, 2025

Day 4 – The Battle Within

Galatians 5:17 “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…”

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat the Christian life. He tells us plainly: there is a war inside every believer. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other, pulling us in opposite directions. But here’s the hope, we are not powerless. The Spirit within us is greater than the pull of the flesh. This battle is daily. The flesh whispers lies:

“Do what feels good. Put yourself first. You don’t need God’s way.” The Spirit, on the other hand, points us to Christ: “Choose what honors Him. Live for more than yourself. Find joy in obedience.” Victory doesn’t come from pretending the struggle isn’t real. It comes from acknowledging the fight and depending on the Spirit to win it. Just as a soldier relies on his training and his weapons, we rely on the Word of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The good news? The outcome of this war is already determined, Christ has won. We fight from victory, not for it.

Application: When the flesh pulls one way and the Spirit another, pause and choose the Spirit. Each decision is a small victory in the bigger battle.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me today to choose Your Spirit over my flesh. Lead me in the way everlasting.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name We Pray,

Amen!