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<h2>Fighting Temptation</h2>Human beings are creatures of routine. When we discover an efficient way of getting a task done, we tend to adopt the mechanism and rarely make any efforts to change things up. After all, why replace something that isn’t broken? This line of thinking explains how most habits are formed.Indeed, the things we love to do, or the practices we habitually engage in without a second thought, usually stem from actions, beliefs and practices that have been ingrained into our subconscious minds through repetition. While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, when we look at mental bondage that has been fueled by substance abuse or destructive thinking patterns, we can only conclude the negative habits were developed and bolstered through constant repetition.<figure id="figure-48yoej807wm3lpd9fw"><img id="48yoej807wm3lpd9fw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/516982699/photo/hand-offering-an-apple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=997F2AZdDJdzOUNG7EOynGCuNQzSms1Jbo5GzsZHmzw=" alt="Hand offering an apple." title="Hand offering an apple." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/516982699/photo/hand-offering-an-apple.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=997F2AZdDJdzOUNG7EOynGCuNQzSms1Jbo5GzsZHmzw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Recognizing the Root of Temptation</h3>Whether we want to admit it or not, the actions, beliefs and practices that have grown to tempt or enslave us were initially developed from our own choices. I bring this up to say that when God delivers a believer from addiction by renewing their minds, the neurological patterns that have been ingrained in their brains from past destructive behaviors may take some time to be rewired. The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or&nbsp; "bound to.” Addictions literally hijack the brain by altering its chemistry and changing its communication patterns. When we become addicted to a substance, practice or certain pattern of thinking, our brain adjusts to accommodate the over-stimulation fueled by the obsessive compulsions.<h3>Why Overcoming Temptation Takes Time</h3>According to mental health experts, when a person tries to quit or discontinue a destructive habit, their brain will experience an uncomfortable adjustment process. Although this change is for the greater good, the person will still struggle from time to time as the brain finds a new healthy balance. Most addictions are usually bolstered in familiarity and even if a person is willing to change and allows God to transform their mindset, triggers of their past behaviors can tempt them to relapse into old habits.The truth is, because of our human nature, we all have a tendency to get comfortable with the patterns and habits we have enforced in our lives for years. This means even if we want to change, there are parts of our physiological make-up that will still have a craving for the things that we have previously fed it.This phenomenon can be described as “temptation,” a term also characterized as an impulsive desire to do, or engage in something we know will produce more harm than good in the long run.<img id="k4uktnprfm3lozn25" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="font-family: var(--body-fontFamily); font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--body-fontWeight, 400); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1510590337019-5ef8d3d32116?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxiaWJsZSUyMHN0dWR5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTg1MzcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="bible study" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1510590337019-5ef8d3d32116?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxiaWJsZSUyMHN0dWR5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTg1MzcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"><h3>Temptation from a Biblical Perspective</h3>Let’s be real for a moment. We’ve all experienced temptation and have fallen victim to its luring power, but being tempted should not be a reason to lose hope in your God ordained breakthrough.Encountering temptations is inevitable. The good news is the Lord is faithful and He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.Not only that, with every temptation we face, God provides a way of escape so we can endure the testing period and avoid giving in to our lustful desires (1 Corinthians 10:13).<h3>Understanding Temptation</h3>The New Living Translation states that “temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.” If you are battling with an addiction or an oppressed mindset, it is important to remember you will encounter many triggers and temptations that will try to lure you back to your old life.But this is nothing to beat yourself up over or get discouraged about. In the first chapter of James, the apostle noted that “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”&nbsp; Yes, you read that correctly.Not only does God give you the grace to endure the testing season, He also rewards you after you have overcome it. This reward is described as a crown of life God has promised to everyone who loves him (James 1:12). The scripture also goes on to remind us that temptation does not come from God.<figure id="figure-pphx59nsvgm3lozo39"><img id="pphx59nsvgm3lozo39" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529079018732-bdb88456f8c2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxjaG9pY2V8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxODU0NDgyfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="man standing in the middle of woods" title="man standing in the middle of woods" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>&nbsp;“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” –James 1:13 NIVHere we see God, through His disciple, reminding believers He does not tempt people. Now a lot of people assume after they receive deliverance from God, He will tempt them to see whether they will continue to trust in Him or fall back into the pattern of sin.But while He does allow us to go through a season of testing, all of the temptations we face along the way are products of our own selfish desires and poor decisions.Nevertheless, the God we serve is so good, He still gives us the strength we need to endure temptation and then rewards us when we make it through. While it does take time and intentional effort on our part, when we replace our destructive habits with prayer, fasting and reading the Word of God, eventually the temptations that once enticed us won’t have a strong hold over our emotions, thoughts and actions anymore.

Overcoming Temptation

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<h2>My Struggle with Suffering</h2>I grew up in a Christian family. One that emphasized going to church every Sunday and underscored the importance of praying before every meal and bedtime. While these practices were a good way to instill Christian principles, they did not give me an accurate depiction of who God was and how He saw me. At that time, I, like many people today, thought of God as a distant ruler who granted us our requests if we prayed hard enough and made a decent effort to avoid major sins like stealing and murder.Needless to say, after acting on this principle and coming short every single time, I grew disappointed, dejected, and eventually disinterested in God –especially since bad things still happened to me despite my fervent pleas and attempts to be good.<h3>Suffering Sucks</h3>Sadly, by the time I was old enough to understand the importance of establishing and fostering a personal relationship with the Father for who He was and not for what I could get, I was too angry with Him to care. After all, how loving could God be if he allowed suffering and gross inequality to plague the world? How wise could He be if He allowed all human beings to be born with an inclination to sin? Most importantly, why was the entire human race confined to a broken world because of the pride and rebellion of one fallen angel? Couldn’t God just have punished Satan and stopped him from corrupting His beloved creation?In my limited scope of thinking, the only thing I grasped was the fact that though God purported to be in control of the entire universe, He chose not to interfere with the affairs of life.&nbsp;Which in my book made Him responsible for every single betrayal, disappointment, and hurt that destroyed relationships, ruined families, and prompted people to commit crimes and immoral acts that ruined their lives and disenfranchised the lives of many others.<h3>Questions of Suffering&nbsp;</h3>As an avid over-thinker, thoughts like these haunted me constantly and over time, I developed a cynical outlook on life that was bolstered by a victim mentality. Internally, I questioned God on His principles related to suffering.Why were some people rich, while others were destitute and poverty-ridden? Why were some people hated for something as trivial as their skin pigmentation when they had no control over how they were born? Why did innocent children die young or tragically, while seemingly immoral people appeared to live full and abundant lives?<figure id="figure-1b157z63zsm31ni2dk"><img id="1b157z63zsm31ni2dk" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505816014357-96b5ff457e9a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8c3Bpcml0dWFsJTIwZ3Jvd3RofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MTg5N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="spiritual growth" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505816014357-96b5ff457e9a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNnx8c3Bpcml0dWFsJTIwZ3Jvd3RofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MTg5N3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>I wish I could tell you the answers to these mysteries were revealed to me as I developed my faith in God, but that was not the case. The hard truth is we may not know or understand the answer to these questions on this side of eternity, but they give us no excuse to grow angry with God. And since pain and tough times are sure to come, separating ourselves from the only one who can give us peace in the season when we experience hardships and trials is self-sabotaging, to say the least.<h3>Jesus and Suffering</h3>The most practical examples that teach us how to handle suffering are exemplified in the life of Jesus. The very principle of ‘God’s will over mine’ is reflected in the life of Christ who took the form of a bondservant so He could bear the sins of the world and give us access to His Father.But because Jesus was human, He felt emotions too. To put it quite plainly, He knew what it was like to weather the storms of life and understood wholeheartedly the gut-wrenching agony that suffering and pain brought on an individual. In fact, in &nbsp;describing the son of God, Isaiah 53:3 notes He was “despised and rejected by mankind.”&nbsp;Besides food and water, some of the most vital necessities that humans need to function are love, acceptance, and the feeling that they belong. When these areas are lacking, it usually brings about emotional, physical, and mental suffering in one way or the other. Now let’s backtrack a bit. Jesus Christ was passionately hated and pitifully disregarded by men.<figure id="figure-hro61lpevvm31nolqt"><img id="hro61lpevvm31nolqt" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1805813672/photo/dramatic-light-sky-and-clouds-background-passion-of-jesus-christ-on-golgotha-hill-and-cross.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-9xnF5tBBXQ0ucbPj7PNB45Fhbr4ygoD5tq0YlPT0hA=" alt="Dramatic light, sky and clouds background, passion of Jesus Christ on Golgotha hill and cross as symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection during Passion Week" title="Dramatic light, sky and clouds background, passion of Jesus Christ on Golgotha hill and cross as symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection during Passion Week" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1805813672/photo/dramatic-light-sky-and-clouds-background-passion-of-jesus-christ-on-golgotha-hill-and-cross.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-9xnF5tBBXQ0ucbPj7PNB45Fhbr4ygoD5tq0YlPT0hA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>He was truly a man of suffering who was well acquainted with pain. And how did people treat Him back in his day? “Like one from whom people hid their faces and held in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:4). Imagine, the king of the world, spat on and disregarded by men.Let that sink in for a moment. The savior of the world gave up His heavenly throne to save His beloved creation and they repaid him through rejection, ingratitude, and mocking. Here’s the most perplexing part, this was a fate He chose willingly. Yes, Jesus chose to suffer willingly because He knew His temporary displeasure would bring about everlasting redemption for the entire universe.&nbsp;If you're anything like me, you might have struggled to relate to the humanity of Christ. That is to say, you often wonder: ‘How could the son of God who had access to supernatural power relate to my suffering?’ After all, how could the man who healed the lame and sick and raised the dead possibly be able to relate to my hopeless situation? &nbsp;But Jesus was just as much human as He was a part of the Holy Trinity. And because of this, He felt the fear and pain of His impending death just as deeply as we feel the toils and daunting dilemmas of our own life today.<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">The Garden of GethsameneThe story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is one of loneliness, struggle, and pain. After eating the last supper with His disciples where He informed them of his impending death, Jesus left with Peter, James, and John for the olive mill.When they arrived, He instructed them to sit while he went to a different area to pray. It was said that Jesus had begun to grow sorrowful and troubled at this time.“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch. And then going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” –Mark 14:34 NIVImagine knowing the exact moment you were going to die. Not only that, imagine knowing exactly how you would die and the amount of pain and suffering you would have to endure before you gave up the ghost.The average person would probably become paralyzed with fear and anxiety. I don’t know about you, but if I found myself in a situation like that, I probably would have combust trying to exert all my power and energy thinking of ways to alter my fate.And who could blame me? After all, I’m only human –and so was Jesus. That is why although He was all about His Father’s work, there was a point where He still struggled to accept the immense suffering He would have to endure to fulfill His plan for redemption.<figure id="figure-i6y37n7ff6m31ns039" class=""><img id="i6y37n7ff6m31ns039" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1942480385/photo/jesus-praying-in-the-garden-of-olives.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GBf4Pl_n_QZJKWZ7Sc9yspADBd34hXz-aTs-ZvEx3EE=" alt="Jesus praying in the garden of olives" title="Jesus praying in the garden of olives" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1942480385/photo/jesus-praying-in-the-garden-of-olives.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=GBf4Pl_n_QZJKWZ7Sc9yspADBd34hXz-aTs-ZvEx3EE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>A few verses later it states:“Abba, Father, he said, Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” –Mark 14:36 NIVThe Garden of Gethsemane was an olive grove where the fruit was squashed and crushed to make oil. Biblical scholars say Jesus chose to visit this location because it would be where His fleshly desires would be crushed, so He could produce new oil and develop the strength He needed to fulfill the will of His Father.It is crucial to note Jesus came to the garden feeling sorrowful and distraught. Even as He prayed to His Father His emotional condition did not seem to get better right away. Still, He persistently petitioned God with his fervent prayer three times.At one point, Jesus even fell on his face as He spoke to God. This is one of the most prostate positions a person can take when they are requesting something from someone. This humble position also shows us Jesus was not only distressed, but excruciatingly fraught for intervention. But here’s the main lesson: After praying to God three times, Jesus accepts His fate and instead tells His Father to let His will be done.<figure id="figure-j7vhkmy5x4m31nua4a"><img id="j7vhkmy5x4m31nua4a" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1425407491/photo/abstract-shot-of-jewish-temple-and-blurred-olive-tree-leaves.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tzwgAy2dRR_TKqIhieXZf8Mmpm_7J63T1r2JNtKp0RI=" alt="Abstract shot of Jewish temple and blurred olive tree leaves" title="Abstract shot of Jewish temple and blurred olive tree leaves" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1425407491/photo/abstract-shot-of-jewish-temple-and-blurred-olive-tree-leaves.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tzwgAy2dRR_TKqIhieXZf8Mmpm_7J63T1r2JNtKp0RI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>If Jesus had allowed His emotions and a fear of suffering to persuade Him not to lay down His life, the entire world would have been doomed. Death, sin, and the grave would have had the last say and the devil would have had a field day stealing, killing, and destroying mankind. The worst part is, there would have been no hope –absolutely no silver lining– for the entire human race.While nothing we do can ever compare to Christ’s sacrificial atonement when we choose to make the most of the obstacles in our lives, the lessons we learn and the perseverance and grit we develop will be used to help another person on their journey.Because we live in a broken world, pain and suffering are inevitable, but God never wastes experiences. Instead, He uses our most heart-wrenching &nbsp;circumstances to draw us closer to Him. Then, He strengthens us with the skills we need to persist, endure, and persevere.

Exploring the Concept Suffering

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<h2>Who's Really in Charge?</h2>“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”–Ephesians 1:11 NIVControl is a sensitive topic for many of us, because as much as we would like to dictate the course of our lives, some things are just out of our purview. The reality is, though we may try to do everything in our power to bring about a particular outcome, our fate does not lie in our own hands. The frustration this fact can evoke can prove damaging if we hold the wrong perspective.The desire to possess the power to influence is not intrinsically evil. The issue arises when we make being right or “on top of things” our uncompromising goal. When we get to this point, we are convinced that if we relinquish our grip on a situation, we and the perceived problem will spiral out of control. This notion is just that –a deception that only breeds distress when we finally come to the end of ourselves and realize we cannot control everything.<figure id="figure-pgdhrasoaum31msvbu" class=""><img id="pgdhrasoaum31msvbu" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1515666991427-9b0f67becfa1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8Y29udHJvbCUyMGZhaXRofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MDcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="control faith" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1515666991427-9b0f67becfa1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8Y29udHJvbCUyMGZhaXRofGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MDcyMnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Release Control</h3>The Bible says God did not “give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power of love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). This not only shows the Lord has given us all freedom of choice to determine what we do, think and feel, but it also proves there is an element of our lives that is naturally orchestrated by the decisions we make, as well as the things we choose not to do. The concept of control gets distorted when we become obsessed with calling the shots.This is because nothing in life will go our way all of the time. And when the undesired outcome inevitably occurs, if we are bent on having control we will grow frustrated, distressed, discouraged and eventually angry with God. Think about it. How many times have you heard someone ask “Why God, why?” when something they planned did not happen as they envisioned it? If we’re being completely honest, how many times have we complained to God because something did not turn out the way we wanted it to, even though we did “everything right”? This line of thinking is dangerous because if a challenge takes us out of our comfort zone, we will then be tempted to wallow in self-pity or shut ourselves off from the rest of the world out of fear of getting hurt again.<h3>Why We Desire Control</h3>At the root of every person’s desire to control is pride, apprehension and distrust. One man could have grown up in an abusive home where he was constantly undermined and forced to adhere to strict rules by overbearing parents. More than likely, the minute he went on his own, he promised himself he would never let anybody boss him around again. Likewise, a lady who grew dejected after being constantly let down by others, might try to control the outcome of her interactions so she can always know what to expect to avoid future disappointment.The problem with these coping mechanisms is they never really serve their intended purpose and end up severing and damaging relationships instead. You see, when a person has a controlling spirit, they often repel people through their acts of domination. Ironically, the child of the overbearing parents ends up using the same toxic parenting methods to burden his children, thus perpetuating the exact cycle of resentment that triggered his desire for control in the first place. Similarly, the woman who tried to dictate her fate by avoiding situations where she could not predict the outcome, winds up isolating herself to the point where she develops trust issues which make it difficult for her to relate to others.<figure id="figure-fmnr9qgbldm31mswux" class=""><img id="fmnr9qgbldm31mswux" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1512099693625-6bc69d03a340?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNHx8YmlibGUlMjB0cnVzdHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzA2NDA3MjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="bible trust" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1512099693625-6bc69d03a340?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNHx8YmlibGUlMjB0cnVzdHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzA2NDA3MjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Art of Letting Go</h3>Clearly, the desire to have control is a serious issue. The only remedy can be found in Jesus Christ; the one &nbsp;in control of the entire universe. One of the first steps to lasting freedom is surrendering. This can only be accomplished by confessing our shortcomings and admitting we cannot help ourselves.Pride tells us we are our own gods and we don’t need instruction or direction, but scripture reminds us God is the author and finisher of our faith and it is He who has the whole world in His hands. All this simply means is God is in control and we are not.<h3>Embracing Surrender</h3>The good news is although God is in control, He is not a harsh taskmaster. King Solomon writes:“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). God blesses us with free will because though He is in charge, He is not interested in forcing or coercing us to do anything we ourselves are not interested or willing to do.In contemporary times, the word control has become synonymous with the term power, simply because people who crave supremacy want to lord it over others. But when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the hearts of believers, He never imposes Himself. The other two members of the Holy Trinity exercise their dominion through a very similar approach.<figure id="figure-9r51ynjzhm31msycd" class=""><img id="9r51ynjzhm31msycd" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1520642413789-2bd6770d59e3?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8ZmFpdGglMjBqb3VybmV5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MDcyNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="faith journey" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1520642413789-2bd6770d59e3?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8ZmFpdGglMjBqb3VybmV5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDY0MDcyNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Imagine, God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. The mountains bow before Him and the sea flees at His rebuke, yet, He still blesses us with free will. In other words, even though the Lord has the ability and the sovereign right to tell us what to do, how to do it and when to do it, He doesn’t. All He asks of us is to willingly surrender to Him so He can guide, protect and teach us how to live fruitful lives.&nbsp;Though this is the type of leadership we ought to follow, because the concept of control has become so distorted, most people reject Christ in favor of attempting to be the kings and queens of their own lives.&nbsp;While God does not restrict us from making such a move, sooner or later, our own actions prevent us from reaching our maximum potential which ironically can only be attained through surrender to God.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The majority of our worries, anxieties and fears are rooted in our desire for, but lack of, control in our lives. The quicker we realize it is God who dictates the course of our lives, the easier it is to let go and allow Him to direct us. After all, He “works all things out for our good.” (Romans 8:28).

Understanding the Desire for Control

white and red cross hanging on black string

<h2>Fear, Anxiety, Worry</h2>“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. &nbsp;Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. &nbsp;Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! &nbsp;Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? &nbsp;Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”&nbsp;–Luke 12:22-26 NIVFear is a tricky thing because while it is often portrayed as the fright someone feels after being triggered by something scary, this sly emotion can take on so many other forms. Fear can be encapsulated by the panic and pounding heart palpitations a person gets when someone sneaks up and scares them from behind.It can also present itself as the looming dread that stalks an individual when they are uncertain of their future or what lies ahead. Indeed, fear looks like the tight-knot in someone’s chest when they have to make a tough decision. It can also be summed up as a gut-wrenching blow that paralyzes a person when they find themselves embroiled in a difficult situation.<figure id="figure-22odiz5subm31lzrot" class=""><img id="22odiz5subm31lzrot" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1600468681740-5d648abdb074?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMHx8ZmFpdGgtZmVhcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzA2MzkzNjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="faith-fear" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1600468681740-5d648abdb074?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMHx8ZmFpdGgtZmVhcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MzA2MzkzNjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Needless to say, most people will do any and everything in their power to avoid encountering this emotion. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of life makes this course of action impossible. So while some people have learnt to face their fears head on, others have learnt to suppress negative emotions by keeping busy or pretending the problem doesn’t exist. Here’s the thing about the latter approach, burying fear only makes it grow bigger.<h3>Importance of Perspective when Fearful</h3>The thing is, fear in and of itself is not sinful. As a matter of fact, it is actually a built-in alert system wired in humans to notify us of possible danger.Still, when left unregulated, fear can lead us to sin –especially if it drives us to take matters into our own hands instead of placing our faith and trust in God. Yielding to fear confines us in a self-imposed prison that restricts all of the possibilities we can accomplish through God.It is impossible to please the Lord without faith, and fear, if not put in its rightful place, could serve as a stumbling block to the very fuel needed to unleash God’s miraculous power in our lives.When we panic and try to address our issues on our own, we restrict the only power strong enough to eradicate our fears and anxiety from their very root. In Philippians 4:6, God tells us not to worry about anything, and instead, to pray to Him about our desires and fears while giving Him thanks as we ask for what we need. He said after we do this, His peace that transcends all human understanding will guard our hearts and minds.<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(48px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(48px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Scriptural SupportThe thing about fear, anxiety and worry is a person who is overcome with these emotions is much more fixated with their perception of the problem rather than the actual issue itself. Casting our cares on God puts things back in the right perspective and reminds us that He has everything in control and is working all things out for our good.Fear frightens, worry paralyzes and anxiety torments. This gang of oppressive spirits, if given ample opportunity, will ravage a person from the inside out.&nbsp;A wise man said “worry is like a rocking chair; it uses up all your energy but you end up going nowhere.” An even wiser God told His children not to worry because engaging anxious thoughts could not add a single hour to their life span (Matthew 6:27).<figure id="figure-adql7s9krjm31lzt9e"><img id="adql7s9krjm31lzt9e" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533000971552-6a962ff0b9f9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxM3x8YmlibGUtc2NyaXB0dXJlfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDYzOTM2Nnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="bible-scripture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533000971552-6a962ff0b9f9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxM3x8YmlibGUtc2NyaXB0dXJlfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDYzOTM2Nnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>If we do not cast our cares on the Lord and give Him our fears, the fear will destroy us instead of the problem that God has already promised to take us through.When it looks like things are dark and there is no hope, always remember: the Lord is your light, your salvation and the stronghold of your life, so you have no need to be afraid. (Psalm 27:1).&nbsp;Truly, when you feel weighed down and weary from the pressures and trials of life, never forget Christ is eager to carry your burdens for you and He promises to give you rest for your soul (Matthew 11:29).Moreover, when you are overwhelmed and bombarded with never ending issues, just cast your cares on the Lord because He cares for you and will never let you fall or lose your footing (Psalm 55:22).When life gets tough and the only thing you want to do is hide, resist the urge to run away and instead, choose to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you always.When you feel like you’re trapped and there’s no way out, remember God Himself will take hold of your right hand and He, your Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel, will help you (Isaiah 41:13-14).This means no matter how insurmountable, impenetrable or impossible your situation may appear, you don’t have to worry because God is your refuge, strength and ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). And when you pray to Him, He will answer and deliver you from all your fears (Psalm 34:4).

Overcoming Fear, Anxiety & Worry

Two hands holding two different apple watch models

<h2>Jealousy, Envy and Covetousness</h2>“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." -Hebrews 13:5&nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Pervasive feelings of discontentment almost always breeds entitlement, and entitlement when unfulfilled, will always produce feelings of envy, jealousy and covetousness.Despite slight variations in meaning, the underlying feelings fuelling all three emotions is ingratitude. Unfortunately, many people fall into the trap of comparison which opens the doors to bitterness and toxic thinking patterns.<figure id="figure-dacahihunm2ubj90l" class=""><img id="dacahihunm2ubj90l" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1614847938665-2e961376cec6?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxqZWFsb3VzfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDE5ODYzMHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="woman in black jacket sitting beside woman in black jacket" title="woman in black jacket sitting beside woman in black jacket" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1614847938665-2e961376cec6?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxqZWFsb3VzfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMDE5ODYzMHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Overcoming Comparison:Be Careful of the Content you Consume</h3>We live in a technologically advanced society that thrives off instant gratification. In fact, two words can sum up the current age in all of its glory: social media.While this tool helps us stay connected and keeps us up-to-date on events happening near and far, if misused, this technology can also become the death of us.Whether we realize it or not, the things we watch, engage in and see have an impact on how we feel, what we think and what we do. So, if we’re filling our spirits with content that promotes materialism, folly and sexual immorality, pretty soon, we will begin to notice the roots of covetousness, envy, and impurity sprouting up in our lives.Research proves social media can contribute to a person developing anxiety and depression simply because scrolling down a feed of another person’s highlights can trigger jealousy and discontentment. Even more so, our social media feeds are specifically tailored to our own preferences.This means if the content we watch is not aligned with God’s Word, we can risk exposing our souls to worldly doctrines that can create strongholds in our minds. This is why the Bible says we are to set our thoughts on “things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2).<h3>Finding Contentment&nbsp;</h3>The most certain way to live a miserable existence is to ignore all of the good things that happen in life, while constantly complaining about all of the things that didn’t pan out. Does the saying: “Nothing ever works out for me,” sound familiar? If it doesn’t ring a bell to you, it sure reminds me of a few things I used to say.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-v1puu96s5mm2ubjos2"><img id="v1puu96s5mm2ubjos2" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1564396797585-82f726d7d39a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxzYWR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMwMTk5MzYxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="woman sitting near the osfa" title="woman sitting near the osfa" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1564396797585-82f726d7d39a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxzYWR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMwMTk5MzYxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>In fact, if you’re anything like the average human being, expressions like this are constantly littered in your daily vocabulary whether you find yourself in the midst of the trickiest situation or faced with an irritable, yet minor inconvenience.<h3>Overcoming Comparison: Be Mindful of your Words&nbsp;</h3>While some may argue that “woe is me” proclamations are just used to express our feelings, the truth is, these sayings foster a negative perception that is a symptom of a much bigger issue: ungratefulness. Ingratitude is the act of being ungrateful. It is the antithesis of thanksgiving and often robs a person of their joy through pessimism, complaining and of course comparison. <h3>Embracing Your Unique Journey</h3>A wise man once said comparison is the thief of joy, but what it really is, is the killer of contentment. When a person constantly compares themselves to others, they become fixated on what they don’t have and what they can’t do. So much so, that they begin to overlook and undermine their own skills and talents.This causes them to grow resentful with their lot in life which encourages the development of an ungrateful heart. A lack of gratitude may seem like a trivial thing on the surface; nevertheless, it is a grave vice that comes with serious consequences.

Killing Comparison

<h2>The Dangers of Impatience</h2>The advent of technology has created a global culture where expediency is expected. Since innovation has made things more accessible, people have grown accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it.In fact, it would be an understatement to say the majority of the world would do anything in their power to avoid having to go through a process to reach their intended goals. But while expediting or completely skipping the waiting process can be convenient at times, always expecting everything to happen in the timeline you want is impractical.Impatience is a self-imposed curse. On one hand, the emotion can keep a person agitated and flustered since it ensures they are too fixated on the future to appreciate the present. On the other hand, not being able to wait causes people to crave and eventually cave into instant gratification which always increases their likelihood of making an impulsive or hasty decision which will do them more harm than good in the long run.<figure id="figure-pufog35qmlm2i4pjso"><img id="pufog35qmlm2i4pjso" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1495704907664-81f74a7efd9b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHx3YXRjaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3Mjk0NjE2MDB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person looking at silver-colored analog watch" title="person looking at silver-colored analog watch" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1495704907664-81f74a7efd9b?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHx3YXRjaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3Mjk0NjE2MDB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Esau's Rash Mistake</h3>In Genesis 25, we read about Jacob and Esau, two brothers who both struggled with waiting for what they wanted. Esau was the oldest son, which meant he had a right to receive a bigger inheritance than his younger brother Jacob. However, Esau forfeited his birthright for something temporary. The scripture states:“Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!’ Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright now. Esau said, ‘I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?’ &nbsp;Jacob said, ‘Swear to me now.’ So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob…Thus Esau despised his birthright.” –Genesis 25:29-35 NIVYou read that correctly. Esau gave up his God given right as his father’s first born child for a bowl of soup. While it may sound crazy, a lot of us have turned our noses up at God’s promises, for a cheap counterfeit that could not even pale in comparison to His blessings for our lives.Evidently, Esau’s rash decision was fueled by impatience. Because he impulsively acted based on his feelings, he made a choice that not only affected his fate, but the future of his descendants who would walk the earth long after he was gone.It is highly unlikely Esau would have died from hunger the exact moment his hunger pangs hit him, but because of exhaustion, he cheated himself out of a great thing for a good thing.Think about it, there was nothing wrong with Esau craving a hearty meal after working hard in the field all day. He fell into error when he made a foolish trade.It is very likely that Esau got hungry a few hours after he ate the stew, which meant he probably had to make himself something else to eat and was out of a birthright. While a bowl of lentil soup may not be alluring enough to tempt us, we, like Esau, lose our sense of discernment when we allow less than perfect conditions, coupled with cumbersome emotions, to drive us into making unwise decisions. Sadly, the devil understands our ability to see the bigger picture becomes clouded when we are in the middle of an unideal situation. That is why he always tries to tempt us when we are at our weakest.<h3>The Consequences of Impatience</h3>Impatience can lead to stress and frustration. It can strain our relationships and affect our mental health. When we are impatient, we often make hasty decisions that we later regret.By practicing patience, we can avoid these negative outcomes. We can make better decisions and maintain healthier relationships.<figure id="figure-q81asnyugim2i4pla2"><img id="q81asnyugim2i4pla2" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1476718406336-bb5a9690ee2a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxzb3VwfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyOTQ2MTc4M3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="two sauces topped with seeds" title="two sauces topped with seeds" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1476718406336-bb5a9690ee2a?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw0fHxzb3VwfGVufDB8fHx8MTcyOTQ2MTc4M3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Importance of Patience</h3>The Bible says believers should be “in the world but not of it” (John 17:14-16). That is why patience, though an unpopular quality in today’s fast-paced world, should be a revered virtue in the lives of those who love God.In fact, His Word constantly underscores the importance of having patience and explains how hastiness can lead to ruin. The book of Proverbs gives us two clear examples:“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." –Proverbs 21:5 NIV“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” –Proverbs 29:20 NIV<h3>King Saul's Impatient Mistake</h3>The scripture also displays the importance of patience by showcasing the life of Saul, the first king of Israel. The Benjaminite is a prominent example who exemplifies the danger of impatience.In the book of Samuel, we learn Saul took no delight in waiting patiently for God, or following His instructions. As a result, he set himself and his posterity on the course for ruin. After Saul had reigned in Israel for two years, the rival Philistine army assembled to launch an attack on Israel.At the time, the Israelites also gathered together with Saul in Gilgal because in those days, they would not go to war until the priest prayed and made offerings to God on their behalf. &nbsp;Samuel was the priest and prophet at the beginning of Saul’s reign who told the king to wait for him for seven days (1 Samuel 10:8-9). However, instead of adhering to the prophet’s instructions, Saul became so restless that he presumptuously offered the burnt offering himself, which was a direct violation of God’s commandment that only allowed priests to carry out sacrifices.Part of the reason Saul grew impatient was because the people started to scatter after waiting at Gilgal for nearly a week. In fear, he decided to carry out the prophet’s priestly duty. Right after Saul broke God’s commandment, Samuel showed up just as he said he would.“And Samuel said, ‘What have you done?’ Saul said, ‘When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD.&nbsp;“Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering. ‘And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”–1 Samuel 13:11-13 NKJVIf Saul had waited a few more hours for Samuel, God would have established his kingdom over Israel forever. Impatience cost Saul an eternal dynasty and robbed his descendants of the honor of being kings in Israel.<h3>Conclusion</h3>Though the stories of Esau and Saul are tragic, they are cautionary tales that remind us of the importance of waiting on the Lord and being obedient during the waiting season. We hear the phrase waiting on the Lord a lot, but what does it really mean? Well the word “wait” means to “remain stationary in expectation.” It is easy to assume the act of waiting is passive; however, to be still and trust the Lord is to be intentional about placing our hope and faith in him.