Energize your willpower

ARE YOU facing an uphill battle right now? Maybe you asked for it. Did you bite off more than you can chew? Or perhaps the situation was forced upon you. Either way, nobody has to tell you how hard it is.

In every quest, there comes a time when you’re tempted to quit. Or you’re tempted to settle for less. You might think, “What’s all the fuss about? Why am I torturing myself? Why don’t I just let it go, retreat, and be content with where I am and what I have?”

And that’s fine for some — healthy even. If you’re obsessing over something that’s not meant for you — if it’s all about ego, fame, or riches — then yes, it’s probably better to let it go. But it’s not always easy to tell the difference, is it? It’s not always obvious if your desire is healthy or distorted.

Still, some struggles are clearly worth the effort. You feel it deep in your bones. It permeates your entire being. This is especially true when the struggle involves keeping the commandments of the Lord.

Yes, when we obey God’s supreme law of love it’s good and it’s blessed, but it can also be extremely hard. Your deepest fears are tested. The evil one seduces you to take short cuts or seize power that’s not yours. And the temptation to settle for less — to live with mediocrity or toxicity — dangles in front of you like sweet fruit laced with venom. 

The most valuable things require effort and attention — family, faith, work, and community to name a few.  So lean into the tough battles. Follow the commandments of God.

This might mean fighting for free and healthy living — to give up the things that drag you down — porn, alcohol, drugs, laziness, infidelity, and regret. But don’t settle for less. Don’t make peace with the things that hurt you, since it’s not peace at all, but slavery.

So kick it out. Send it packing. Blast it out the door once and for all. Decide to be clean and free.

Or maybe your obedience means going the extra mile to help others or restore your family. It might mean standing up to injustice, even when the odds are stacked against you.

But go ahead anyway. Take the risk.

Lean into the struggle. Lean hard. Invoke the mighty Spirit of God. Hoist your cross with courage and confidence. The Lord goes with you, and with him you will give life.

Do not be afraid to put in the effort. Roll up your sleeves. Get your hands dirty. Do not fear the hard work, sacrifice, long hours, and fatigue.

Do not fear the demons that rise up against you. If you abide in the Lord, you will see past the devil’s smoke and mirrors. You will see the resurrection unfold before your eyes. And you will sleep well as you rest in God’s tender mercy.

So embrace the cross that leads to Life. Let the Spirit energize your willpower. And watch the process deepen your faith. 

As for the places you can’t get to, the places you can’t reach, don’t worry. God will fill in the gaps. To Him goes all the victory, the honor, and the glory.

And the result will be peace and joy in your heart — as you know you gave it all you got — and that God was always by your side.

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As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:9-11

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