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Controlling You (part 2)

In our previous post, we established the meaning, and the focus of the topic is self-control. We will continue from where we stopped – which was breaking free through the word of God. It's also the foundation for any tangible change in a believer's life. Today, we move!

Moving on from where we stopped, another important thing is, be honest with yourself and God. You don't have to sugarcoat anything for God or yourself. You know yourself, at least your past; and God, He knows you more than you know yourself (past, present, potentials, purpose, and future.)
Talk to Him honestly. Not hiding anything. It's like when a malfunctioning car is telling the manufacturer and itself, "I can handle this, just watch me as I run a thousand miles with a busted tire." You won't go far! Have an honest conversation with Him.

Don't get me wrong, it is good to apply faith, but denying the present obvious situation is not faith. Be true to yourself at least (you owe yourself that much) and be open to God —He knows anyways. Be vulnerable to God and He will wrap you up. Not with pity, but His warm Love.

It's like being in a relationship with someone for a long time and it's becoming abusive and you are undervalued, does it make sense to stay? No! Do you break it up bit by bit? Maybe. But will you keep breaking and making up when your real intent is to leave? No! With the word of God (like we've established in the previous post), you generate strength to fight and breakthrough.

Now we look in­side, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is cre­ated new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! (2nd Corinthians 5:17; MSG).

This might not physically erase the past and the struggles of the addiction, but it will no longer sting like the bite of an insect or a scorpion emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. It will feel like, "Oh wow! So I've once thought that this was the best thing or person for me and I can't do without it or them. How silly! But thank God for a new start and a great life. We move! 

This is not an act we try to pull up or pretending if we still struggle, but a life of testimony of God's power and grace. In God, there is power enough to control (y)our own will and desire in the pattern that pleases Him. It's called self-control. You can resist yourself from gluttony, drunkenness, gossip, or any other thing that you can call an addiction. 

Self-control is generated as a result of constant interaction with the Word of God and allowing the Spirit of God to have expression within you. It's like constantly taking the advice of someone you can trust. With that, strength is supplied to resist the devil and the old ways.
A recent conversation with a friend also pointed my attention to understanding your New Identity as you study the Scriptures will also be helpful for any deliverance to take place, and constant Confession and Acknowledgement of that New Identity helps and goes a long way in getting freedom. 

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:6 KJV).

Consistent prayer. This is so helpful in the sense that it builds your faith in God for access to more constructive things that will build you and your environment. You don't just have the deliverance, gift, and blessing for yourself, but you can replicate God's pattern of liberty in others through your testimony and life.
God has the best in mind for you. Until you know it, you can't access it. 

If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will expe­ri­ence for your­selves the truth, and the truth will free you. (John 8:31-32;MSG).

And finally, dedicate your time to something productive—helpful to you and the lives around you. Find a new hobby that is comfortable with your person. Don't do things because that's what someone else did. The other person is not you! Do You! 

If someone likes running or reading, you might like meditating, cooking, having a discussion group, playing board games, or watching documentaries. There are a lot of things to explore, start, or listen to podcasts, read, write, take online courses, or go hiking. Find your new space and enjoy yourself while being useful.

Shalom!

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