THE NEED FOR CONTROL IS THE CAUSE OF EVERY PROBLEM
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
‘Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3 NLT
HEALTH IS NOT STUMBLED UPON IT IS PURSUED AND IGNORING PROBLEMS WILL NEVER LEAD TO HEALTH.
THE PREREQUISITE TO TRUE FREEDOM IS TO DECIDE THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO SUFFER ANYMORE
YOU HAVE TWO FOUNDATIONAL CHOICES.
ONE CHOICE IS TO LEAVE THE PAIN INSIDE AND CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH THE OUTSIDE.
THE OTHER CHOICE IS TO MAKE THE DECISION YOU DON’T WANT TO SPEND YOUR ENTIRE LIFE AVOIDING THE INNER PAIN AND YOU’D RATHER GET RID OF IT.
WHEN YOU AVOID PAIN AND CHANGE YOU BELIEVE EXTERNAL SITUATIONS ARE WHAT CAUSE INTERNAL PROBLEMS.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT
OUR NEED FOR CONTROL AND THE FEAR THAT IT PRODUCES BLOCK OUR HEARTS.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34 NLT
UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE IS ROOTED IN A GODLY IDENTITY.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NIV
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11 NLT
YOU ARE DEEPLY AND COMPLETELY LOVED.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE THE THORNS?
1. DEAL WITH PAIN IMMEDIATELY
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Psalms 32:3 NLT
2. RELEASE YOUR PAIN AND SURRENDER TO GOD
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalms 55:22 NLT
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
3. DECIDE YOUR GOD-GIVE IDENTITY AND WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO PURSUE THAT
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3 NLT
WHAT DO YOU WANT? ➡️ WHAT IS GETTING IN THE WAY?
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WHAT IS GETTING IN THE WAY? ⬅️ WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?
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WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT? ➡️ WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO COMMIT TO DO?
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:8-10 NLT