By Jerry Pena,
God’s anointed servant
Have you ever promised yourself you’d eat healthier, then found yourself reaching for junk food an hour later? Or decided to be more patient with your family, only to lose your temper the very next day? Maybe you’ve committed to reading your Bible more, but keep choosing to scroll through your phone instead.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in very good company.
The Apostle Paul—the man who wrote much of the New Testament and planted churches across the ancient world—admitted he had the same problem. Here’s what he said:
“I don’t understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:15, 18-19)
Does that sound like someone you know? Maybe yourself?
Paul discovered something important: knowing what’s right doesn’t automatically give us the power to do what’s right.
Think of it like this: You might know exactly how to fix your car engine, but if you don’t have the right tools or strength, you can’t actually do the repair. Knowledge alone isn’t enough.
Paul realized that sin isn’t just the bad things we do—it’s like a broken part inside us that affects how we make decisions. He called it “sin living in me.” It’s not that we’re completely evil, but something is definitely not working the way it should.
But Paul didn’t end his story there. He found hope:
“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)
And then: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
Here’s what this means in everyday language:
God doesn’t look at your struggles and shake His head in disappointment. He knows about the fight inside you, and He doesn’t condemn you for it.
Through Jesus, you now have access to “the Spirit who gives life.” This isn’t just willpower—it’s God’s own power working in you to help you make better choices.
The struggle is real, but you don’t have to fight it by yourself. God’s Spirit is there to help you.
When you mess up: Instead of giving up or beating yourself up, remember that God knew this would happen and He still loves you. Ask for forgiveness and try again.
When you’re tempted: Don’t just rely on your own strength. Pray, even if it’s just “God, help me right now.” Ask the Holy Spirit to give you power to make the right choice.
When you succeed: Thank God! Recognize that any victory over temptation is ultimately His power working through you.
The struggle between good and evil in your heart doesn’t mean you’re a terrible Christian or that God is disappointed in you. It means you’re human, and you’re in the same boat as every believer throughout history—including the Apostle Paul himself.
The difference is that now, through Jesus, you have help. You have forgiveness when you fail, and you have God’s power available when you need strength.
The fight is real, but so is the victory available to you in Christ.
Remember: Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Every time you choose good over evil—even in small things—you’re winning a battle. And when you don’t, there’s grace, forgiveness, and the chance to try again.
When we examine the biblical evidence collectively, a clear theology of prayer emerges. Prayer is not an add-on feature for religious people. It is the operating system of the Kingdom of God. Every major movement of God in Scripture was preceded by, accompanied by, or released through prayer.
God has chosen to partner with His people in the execution of His purposes. He does not bypass us. He involves us. Prayer is the mechanism of involvement. When we pray, we align our will with His will, and that alignment releases heaven’s action.
Tears Have Weight in Heaven — God said, “I have seen your tears.” Hezekiah’s weeping was not weakness. It was worship. Tears are the language of a heart that has run out of words but has not run out of faith.
