Lord, in my mind I really want to obey Your word, but because of my sinful nature I sometimes fail. This sinful nature has a power within me, and there is a war within my mind. When this power wins it makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! When will I be free from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
Son, I have given My Spirit to free you from the power of sin. I came in a body like yours, and in that body I declared an end to sin’s control over you by giving My life as a sacrifice for your sins. So let My Spirit control your mind, and you will have My peace. My Spirit will join with your spirit to affirm that you are Mine. Since you are Mine, you are an heir of God’s glory.
If you are to share God’s glory, you must also share in My suffering. Keep this in mind, what you suffer now is nothing compared to the glory I will reveal to you later. Your spirit longs for the new body that is released from sin and suffering. When you look forward to something that you don’t yet have, you must wait patiently and confidently for it. Remember, I cause everything to work for the good of those who love Me. If I am for you who could ever be against you, and what could ever separate you from My love?
Does this mean that I no longer love you if you have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, you must be convinced that nothing can ever separate you from My love. I always keep My promises. I am close to all who call on Me.
So don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. You will have My joy when you have Me as your helper. When you remember that I keep every promise I’ve made, you will find strength. So be strong and do not fear, for I am coming and soon you will be walking My Highway of Holiness. Then when people ask, “What makes you think that God can rescue you,” you will be able to confidently answer them!