Importance of Self-Control

In this microwave world, it is of utmost importance that we learn the value of discipline. Our flesh, as well as the enemy, are master manipulators at causing us to destroy the blessings that God seeks to give to us and work through us. Here are common ways that we fail because of lack of control.

1. Impatience - Most often, there is a delay between the promise of God and the performance of God. In our flesh, we refuse to wait on God's timing, trying to force doors open that God may not have intended. The problem is that if man opened the door, it may just get slammed in your face. If God opens the door, it cannot be closed, regardless of who wished to do so.

2. False evaluation of God's will. It is extremely easy to equate what we desire to the undisputed will of God. This is most often a huge mistake. Just because I desire something, pray for something, work toward something, and feel right about something, that does not make it the will of God... That is true no matter how much I selfishly pray, fast, and try to believe it into existence. God doesn't change his will based on my fleshly desires.

God's will is rarely the best case scenario for my flesh... And when I pursue natural desire over spiritual discipline and true faith, failure is certain.

3. We fail to understand true faith. True faith is not doggedly believing God to grant my every desire just because I make my petition known. The higher faith is accepting God's answer when He doesn't give me what I desire. Better yet, truth faith is still believing when He gives me what I do not desire.