Do you ever have those moments when you think the little trials you are facing are in fact, just practice runs for the bigger and more rewarding ones you will face later? The way things are going right now, i'm never gonna get to the bigger ones.
self-control. self-denial; the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses wordnet.princeton.edu
Yeah...controlling your impulses...okay...time for some honesty.
I'M SO BAD AT THAT!!!! From the little to a little more dangerous i totally struggle with controlling my impulses. I must buy gummy bears when i don't have money. I watch stupid movies that i know aren't good for me and take away my much needed sleep. I often want random things and work on getting them. And though, these don't sound too serious, i'm beginning to notice how it may be linked to other things that are.
My church in seattle is currently doing a fast till easter. I totally believe in fasting. Its a wonderful way to refocus your mind and body on God. It is saying with actions that i will deny myself and my wants to get to know you better. It is saying that 'I believe God is my provider and will take care of my every need. He is my substance and without Him I am nothing. What it also does is show me how little self control I have.
I decided to fast sugars and sweets. If you don't know, i eat candy like its what keeps me alive. And i take WAY too much sugar in my tea. and i have 3 teas a day. And its not like there isn't any consequences. I have horrible teeth. So, to fast sugar has been tougher than i thought. I really thought it was gonna be easy. EASY...this is a key word. Self control and easy can't be together. Self control isn't easy. Its annoying and hard and NO FUN. So, when i decided to fast sugars and sweets, i knew that the same day i was going to be making apple crumble and the next day a birthday cake for my mom. Come on...really? Couldn't it be something else? Did i have to give up cake? Its been so hard for me walk by the cake i made my mom cause i want nothing else to eat it! But self control. I am making a vow with GOD. I will hold off. Now, if i stuggle with a vow to THE LORD, what does this say about my vows to my wife and child and family and friends? Its so scary to think about, i think it keeps me fasting. I don't wanna be the guy who knows what is right but has no self control so can't say no. God, save me from my own desires that aren't good. I don't believe all desires are bad but we all desire stupid things and we all need self control to say no.
Ya know what...i don't know if i've explained this right or clearly but it is really getting to me. I have been feeling so much about this. I'm gonna just pray. You can pray these words or come up with your own. God bless.
Dear Lord, You are good, great and awesome. Thank you for all the wonderful things you have placed in my life. God help me to show self control in the little things and in the big things. May I have the guts to walk away from the things that hurt you, me and thoes around me. In Jesus name, Amen.
6 comments:
Good stuff! Don't you know this week had to be one of my busiest in about a month. Getting through the fast part is working ok; it's the praying / quiet time that's been a challenge. Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. - old hymn.
TGIF, now if only I can limit my OT and other stuff this afternoon, perhaps I'll actually be still enough to hear God. Miss you man!
I think one of the interesting things about fasting is it is best to talk to God about it before you do it. Asking Him what He would like you to fast. What if He tells you He wants you to fast nothing when everyone else is fasting. What if in that conversation with Him you talk about wanting to honor your spouse or family in their fast. What is great about this is you are dialoging with God.
Also, when I started to read your blog I had to go eat first so I would not be tortured by your comments. :-) I suggest if you are cutting out sweets to add fruits and veggies along with 100% fruit or veggie drinks. Carrots can be really sweet. Apples too. And, ruby red grapefruit is one of my favs right now.
amen.
You made complete sense!
Pastor Kathy recently said in a sermon that self-control may look like we have control over our actions but in all actuality, self-control needs to be us being controlled by God. It's giving up our needs, wants and desires for Him. And He does it! (Like Lucien always says!!!)
And it's so worth it... to fast, to tithe and do all those other great things that God asks of us... just to remind us that He needs to be in control! Because the reward is so beautiful. More of Him and less of me! To live is Christ and to die is gain! :D YAY!
I got really excited :P
Hey dahlin' - I know you can do it. Imagine if you had fasted laughing or something?!
Fasting Laughing!?! I would die for sure!!!
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