Devotional for Sunday, June 19, 2016
“The Spirit of Self Control”
by Dona Hake
I can remember a particular weight loss commercial that literally made me cringe every time I heard it. It was all about a weight loss pill that would make you lose weight. I am sure it probably did but here’s the part that bothered me….”Lose weight without any lifestyle changes…” Every time I heard those few words within the commercial I could not help but to think that in about five years we will be hearing a commercial that says, “If you have taken this weight loss pill and have the following complications…” I am probably right for I no longer even hear commercials for this pill. So sad isn’t it?
There will be things in this life that will take the fruit and disciplines of self control. Some things are easier than others, and some things take patience and time. I will never forget hearing a man’s testimony of extreme weight loss. He weighed over 600 lbs. and over a period of time was able to lose 400 of those pounds. It was amazing to see his before and after images of himself. His story was touching and inspiring!
Before he lost the weight, he had basically given up and just stayed at home. He did play online video games and ended up becoming friends with a woman on the other side of the world. They interacted on line playing video games together, and he shared his life of hopelessness because of his weight problem. One day in the course of their conversation she spoke words to him that challenged and changed his life forever…”You are throwing your life away…” He made some real decisions and it was a slow but sure victory. There are certain challenges in this life that we have no control over, yet there are some situations that require of us making solid decisions for change to come. As we face anything in this life that is bigger than us we must know that we can turn to the One that sees not one thing as impossible. He will give us the spirit of an overcomer!
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
God has made it possible that we tap into the power of self control and discipline. Also, it is wonderful to know that God is able to inspire us in disciplines through His Spirit, and those around us. He is also able to help us accomplish our goals as we purpose our hearts to be disciplined for Him in every area of our life. God is able to help us do above and beyond all we dare ask or think! By His power, we can do that which may seem impossible, for we serve a God of wonderful possibilities!