Sometimes (almost all of the time) I get so discouraged by all of the areas of my life that aren’t quite up to par. Why do I still think those horrible thoughts?! Why can’t I be self-controlled?! Why can’t I bring my flesh into submission in this area?! Grrrrrrrrr! …And the list goes on. I hate it because I want so badly to be holy and pleasing to God but I always seem to fail somehow. But recently I have realized something that has both quieted and calmed me: I am in fact being made holy. I am being transformed. Just the fact that there is such a hatred for my own sin is evidence of this transforming work of Christ in my life. Satan hates that this work is taking place and so he taunts me by saying “You really think you can change? Look, you’re trying so hard and seeking God so much and look… NOTHING!“And me (like a dweeb) actually listens to him! This is why I get discouraged… This is why I get mad! We can’t listen to the devil. We must remember the law of the harvest: whatever we sow we shall reap. If we sow seeds of righteousness then we shall certainly reap them! Think about this: if I planted an apple tree right now and someone who saw me planting it walked up to me when I was finished and said, “Ha! Look at you. You took the time and effort to plant that tree and what do you have to show for it? NOTHING! Not even a single apple!” As you’re probably expecting, I would look at that person like they were crazy. How foolish could they be to think that the tree would produce fruit instantly? Do you see the correlation here? The character traits of the Spirit are not called FRUITS for nothing! They are things that are produced over TIME. But each one begins with planting a seed. So do it. Plant seeds of righteousness. Whatever you are struggling with… Take action! Whether it be being disciplined in your prayer life, losing weight, controlling your tongue, bringing your thoughts captive… Or whatever else. Read what the Word of God says about your issue and DO IT! And when the devil comes along and begins to discourage you and tell you that you are wasting your time (which he will), dismiss him as you would the foolish stranger. What you sow you WILL surely reap!