There is no victory without surrender

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil. (Isaiah 1:4-6 ESV)

The phrase "History repeats itself" came to mind when I read this passage in Isaiah tonight.  The proud and arrogant hearts of men repeatedly deny not only the holiness of God, but His very existence.  When will men learn to surrender to the perfect will of God? He alone is holy and He alone can rescue us from ourselves.  In this battle, there is no victory without surrender.  We must surrender our fleshly desires in exchange for God's will, HIS desire for our life.  With surrender comes freedom, freedom in Christ.  When He is in control, one only need follow...and therin exists the the great battle between the spirit and the flesh.