October 20, 2025

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotional is written by Karen Wardle.

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15 ESV).

There was a day long ago that still stings when I remember it. I stood at the pharmacy counter, waiting. I noticed a small pill box—dainty, decorated with enamel flowers. Lovely, harmless, and for some reason, magnetic. A strange compulsion stirred in me. I had no need for it, and I certainly had the money to pay. But as if pulled by invisible wires, I slid it into my hand, looked around, and stole it. Why?

Even now, the question haunts me—not because the item was valuable, but because I knew better. I wanted to do right, but something inside me buckled, and I gave in.

Paul understood this torment. In Romans 7:15, he describes the inner war between what the Spirit desires and what the flesh demands. It is a war we all face, especially as women earnestly striving to walk with Christ. The shame I felt was not only guilt but also the realization of the depth of my brokenness. And yet, even in that failure, the Spirit did not abandon me but instead forced me to confront the reality of sin—not just as outward rebellion, but as something that rises from deep within.

However, God does not abandon us there. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the Spirit produces fruit—love, joy, peace, and self-control. These are not traits we manufacture ourselves. The Lord grows these in us as we walk by the Spirit, repeatedly, choosing obedience in the small, ordinary moments.

That stolen pill box reminds me that grace is not for the perfect. It is for the woman who has failed, knows the bitter taste of disobedience, and now clings tighter to the Spirit’s power to say “no” when temptation whispers.

Sisters, your struggle is not a sign of defeat. It is proof that a holy war is raging within you—and that you have not surrendered to the wrong side.

Let the Spirit win.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com