Try harder is one of the most popular phrases regarding rising above a situation, problem, or struggle.  This mantra calls on all the strength one has in one’s willpower and physical abilities to overcome.

While it is amazing what determined human beings can do, there is no true freedom in going it on one’s own.  Especially when it comes to spiritual growth and fulfilling the will of God in one’s life.

Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love, you should serve one another.  14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is accomplished within the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another.  16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.  18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.  19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,  20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),  21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you again, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,  23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].  24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.  25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit, we have our life in God, let us go forward by walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

No believer has a temptation, a problem, a situation, or a struggle so great that the Holy Spirit cannot help them rise above it.

No one is ever led by the Holy Spirit to yield to a wrong temptation or to give up and give in to something that is not the will of God for them.

By walking in the Spirit, we avoid fulfilling the lust of the flesh.  There is no promise of never being tempted in our flesh.  Being tempted in our flesh is not a sin but a fact of life.  But whether or not we yield to temptation is important.  The way to avoid giving in is by submitting to the Holy Spirit instead of the yearning of the flesh.

This means there has to be trust in the goodness of the Holy Spirit and His claim to be for us and that He is here to help us.  If a person is afraid or mistrusts the Holy Spirit for whatever reason, they are not likely to turn to Him for help in avoiding the temptations of the flesh in the many ways described in Galatians.

Freedom from being controlled by contrary desires is made possible by the Holy Spirit, not our willpower and human strength.  Knowing right and wrong is not the answer.  Keeping rules in our strength leads us to compare ourselves with others to measure how effective we are at it.  Knowing Jesus and submitting to the Holy Spirit He baptizes us with and receiving the fire He brings with HIm is what keeps us from these contrary desires.