Attending the General Conference Annual Council this year has been a rich and rewarding experience. Being able to connect with fellow leaders, worship together and discuss the mission of the Church is truly inspiring. The theme, “Called to be Faithful”, has been incredibly uplifting and empowering.
However, being here, eight hours ahead of Fiji, has brought its own set of challenges. My body, still accustomed to Fiji time, keeps signalling it’s time to sleep when I should be awake. And when it’s time to stay alert during meetings, I find myself battling drowsiness. The jet lag and adjustment have been tough, serving as a powerful reminder of the internal struggle we often face in our spiritual lives.
Just as my body craves sleep when it’s not the right time, our sinful nature constantly tugs at us, urging us to satisfy desires that don’t align with God’s will. We know what is right, but sometimes our human nature fights against it. Whether it’s selfishness, anger or other temptations, we find ourselves battling against the pull of our own desires, much like trying to stay awake in the wrong time zone. Paul speaks directly to this struggle in Romans 7:19: “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.” It’s a familiar battle for many of us as we strive to live in accordance with God’s will.
But just as I discipline my body to adjust to the new time zone, we must also discipline our spiritual selves, submitting to God and allowing Him to guide us. When we lean on Him, He provides us with His Holy Spirit to give us the strength we need to overcome our weaknesses and live according to His
purpose, even when our human nature pulls us in the opposite direction.
May we rely on Him so that we remain faithful.
