The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. It is a hard doctrine, but it is true. The many other things we give to God, however nice that may be of us, are actually things He has already given us, and He has loaned them to us. But when we begin to submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him” (“Insights from My Life,” Ensign, Aug. 2000, 9)
Our ability to withstand temptation is now grounded in our continual submission to the will of the Lord. We express our need for the power available to us through the Savior’s Atonement, and we begin to feel that power within us, fortifying us against the next temptation. We have learned to accept life on the Lord’s terms.
How can you gain the courage to keep trying until you are free of your burdens?
The first thing that comes to mind here is “Practice makes perfect!” The only real way I feel I can gain the courage to keep trying is by continuing to try, to practice, and to remind myself every day that I can’t do this alone, that I need the Savior and my Heavenly Father. I can ASK for the courage to keep trying too. Sometimes that’s all it takes – a simple, “Father, can you help me?”
Fasting and Prayer
“They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God” (Helaman 3:35).
This verse describes a people who yielded their hearts to God. How can fasting strengthen your ability to yield your heart to God and abstain from addiction?
Fasting is something I feel I can be better at. I do know that fasting is a great way to submit my will to God: it’s leaving behind worldly things for a time and focusing on God. One of the things I feel I understand better now than ever before in my life is how important prayer needs to be when fasting. When I’m “tempted” to think about food or drink, this should be a reminder to pray with a purpose. Fasting is a great way to practice submitting my will to God and showing him that I’m putting my full trust in Him.
Consider the importance of praying in the moment of temptation, and write about how prayer will strengthen your humility and your faith in Christ.
This has been one of my biggest keys to success in submitting my will to God – praying in the moment of temptation or struggle. Not only do I feel closer to God by doing this, but I feel it shows Him that I know that I can’t do this on my own, that I need His help in EVERYTHING, not just my addictions. I’ve also felt more and more love from God by praying frequently too. I’m able to recognize His hand more in all I do. This love is so helpful in doing His will.
How strong is your willingness to yield your heart to God instead of yielding to addiction in the moment of temptation?
I feel my willingness to yield my heart to God instead of yielding to my addiction is more strong now than it has ever been. In the past, I’ve decided I’m going to quit, but I’ve never ever attempted to completely submit my will to God and let him direct me. This really has been a new concept to me. By knowing that I can submit my will to God and “He will direct my path”, I feel more confident that yes, I can overcome this addiction through God and His Son, Jesus Christ. The scriptures have seemed to take on a new meaning: when I think about scriptures like “…all things are possible through Christ Jesus” and “…with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.”
Humbling yourself before God
“He did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him” (Mosiah 29:20).
What keeps you from “crying mightily” to God for deliverance according to His will?
I honestly feel I’m getting there. I’m not completely there – there is room for improvement, but I am praying more consistently and feeling the positive effects. Working with a sponsor has helped me stay more “in tune” and be more consistent with this process.
What has kept you from seeking this kind of deliverance in the past?
Partially just not really realizing I COULD do this. I mean, I always knew I could I guess but I don’t think I understood how effective it would really be in all aspects of my life.
In what ways can you learn to trust in God?
- Fasting with a specific purpose in mind.
- Prayer – continuous, ongoing, in every aspect of my life, when I am faced with temptation.
- Scripture Study – consistency, getting in to a routine because I WANT to, not because someone is watching me, searching for answers
- Temple Attendance – this is a big one, going to the temple with a purpose/question and seeking guidance
- Studying church magazine articles
- Practice, practice, practice – the more I work at this, the stronger I feel
- I feel the more I practice, the more I learn; and the more I learn, the more I need to practice.
This is all for now.
Nate
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