Willpower is Not Enough. You need God's Power!

 You need God's Power! 

Willpower sure sounds like a beautiful thing.  We are often told that if we have enough willpower, we will fight off every trial, challenge, and temptation that comes our way.   At times it may work, yet, it may not work.  Willpower can be our best friend when things go well, but this friend will check out when we get weary, just like the friend that is always around when things are well but are nowhere to be seen when faced with a difficulty.

It may seem as if our mind is playing tricks on us. Often, we allow our emotions to get in the way of making wise decisions. Feelings come and go and can lead us into doing strange things if not checked.  Some of the emotions to keep in check include anger, resentment, self-pity, loneliness, and bitterness.   Our minds and emotions can influence our decisions, lead us down the wrong path, keep us in bondage, get in the way, and cloud or distort the truth.   Emotions may weaken and trump willpower.

Our minds get in the way through negative self-talk. We may talk ourselves out of a victory by saying, "I'm not smart enough," or "I don't have the resources," or "I can't because I don't have the proper education."  If we continue to say these things, then we will believe them.    Or we listen to other people's negative statements and beliefs that can keep us down.  So we give up, give in, and give out.  Our emotions often rule us.  However, we are to be led by God's Spirit. Now, willpower and discipline are needed and essential to living a successful life. But, willpower alone won't be enough. Determination gets you started and keeps you going for a while, but it is never enough to bring you across the finish line.  Zechariah 6 says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

God's power will get us across the finish line.  If we go to God first, then God will release His power into our willpower and energizes it to lead us to victory.  But, if you find that your willpower is getting low and close to quitting, call out to God and receive his strength and power.  God will grant you the wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to make the right choices. God's power will sustain and energize you.  With the Spirit of God, you can finish writing that book, run a successful business, finish school, have a happy marriage, and fulfilling relationship.  Listen to what God says.  Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk.  Tell yourself, "I am smart enough," "God will give me what I need to succeed," or "God can open doors that no one can."  Believe it, and you will receive it.

Be Encouraged,

 Arlinda D. Lindsay, M.Div, LCSW, LCAC