In all my years learning to play sports, there is one thing that stands out to me:
I can always do it one more time.
I can hold the plank for one more second. I can do one more sit-up. I can run one more step. And when all is said and done, I will get up and walk. No matter how hard I've pushed, I will never be so exhausted I actually cannot move anymore.
The same is true of you. You can always push one more step, minute, second, lap, hour... whatever it is, you can do it one more time.
The same goes for a battle with sin and temptation. I cannot tell you how many times I've started a timer and watched the numbers count as I fought the urge to give in to sin.
But I can always wait one more second.
Eventually, with enough seconds, I've held out for a minute. Then two. Then three.
Eventually, the urge, the temptation, the desire fades.
We have the gift of freedom from the Holy Spirit. We have self control. We are not captives to the urges and desires and thoughts that grip our minds and bodies. When we know something is wrong, we do not have to be compelled to do it. The more you learn to say no, and say no repeatedly, the easier it becomes to resist.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 7:4 NIV)
To be still and do nothing, watching the time tick up on the stop watch, is one of the best ways to combat the devil. It's even better if you spend that time praying.
Anyone who's ever played a sport reliant on speed knows that victory or defeat can depend on a few seconds.
Claim those seconds for God.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
We have the ability to sit with urges and not act on them.
Today I urge you to push through. One more second. One more minute. One more hour. One more day.
The mind will always give up before the body, trying to conserve resources. But you are in control. And with God's help, you don't have to give in to anything you don't want to.
You're free.
Live like it.
J. J. Hanna is a writer and reader who loves God and wants to help encourage others with what she knows and what she's learning. Answer her questions with a quick note and connect with her on social media. She's excited to hear from you!
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