Do you know Tim Tatian? I know him quite well. He always shows up when my “want to do right” gets weak. He’s there when my fire and determination turn down to low. Ol’ Tim Tatian always has something to offer me when he visits, and he’s a talented salesman. However, when I buy what he’s selling I always have buyer’s remorse.
We all know Tim Tatian. You see, “Tim Tatian” is the name I have given for the temptation that pressures me. For me, overeating/junk food are the wares he’s peddling on a daily basis. As stress levels go up, so do the numbers on my scale! Last night I confessed to God, “Many times you have given me the strength to overcome temptation, and the power to choose self control in my eating. Yet here I am, after experiencing amazing victory, letting food control me once again. I’m so sorry, Lord.”
So this morning in my “war room” I got on my face. All I could say was, “Lord, I’m tired.” He impressed on my heart that I’m tired because I’m trying to use self control all on my own strength. Self control is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). This fruit is inside of me because The Holy Spirit is inside of me, since I received Jesus as my Savior. But my sinful nature desires what is contrary to the spirit so that I do not do what I want. (Galatians 5:17). There is a conflict going on, and it’s up to me to choose to be led by the Holy Spirit. It’s about surrendering to His power so that I can live in step with Him.
It’s exhausting trying to be in control all on my own. Tim Tatian is a fierce opponent. So why have I chosen to fight on my own? Simply put, I feel like I should have this whipped by now. I have guilt and shame for succumbing to this temptation (over and over again). It keeps me from wanting to ask God for help. I mean, shouldn’t I be able to do this by now? I haven’t been praying about it because I’m embarrassed. But the truth is, I cannot do it without God’s help. And because I must eat to survive, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to have control over eating without asking for His help daily, hourly or minute by minute.
The result of trying to do it on my own is: I eventually give up and try to ignore the consequences. I become buddies with Mr. Tim Tatian. I try to justify gluttony and let it become acceptable in my daily life. Time speeds by and the next thing I know, I am uncomfortable in my skin and struggling to ward off depression and sickness. Basically I come to the end of myself. I have no choice but to surrender.
Even after all of this, God gives me grace. At my slightest effort of seeking Him, He shows me that He is still ready and willing to be my strength and my redemption. In my prayer closet this morning He placed these words on my mind, “Come all of you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” He’s waiting for me and you with His rest.
As I went on with my day, I couldn’t help but smile as He sent me not one, but two divine messengers! The Lord used my dental hygienist and a friend in a coffee shop to speak to me the exact words I needed to hear.
I ended the day with an assignment written on my heart: pick scriptures (which activate His power) to pray for myself to have His strength. Jesus said in Luke 22:40, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” I want to send Tim Tatian packing, and manifest self control. Self control that is actually led by the Holy Spirit.
Here are 5 amazing scriptures to pray:
- Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. I will not be mastered by anything or brought under its power. 1 Corinthians 6:12
- I operate in self control and don’t allow my spirit to be unruly. I refuse to be like a city that is broken down and without walls. Self control and discipline add protection to my life. Proverbs 25:28
- I humble myself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt me in due time…casting all my care upon Him, for He cares for me. 1 Peter 5:6,7
- Blessed am I when I’m patient under trial and stand up under temptation but when I have stood the test and been approved, I will receive the victor’s crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
- No temptation has overtaken me except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
And as I give the control back to God, I’m already feeling lighter and more hopeful. The funny thing is: He was always in control. My attempts to take His job were all in vain. But one thing that is SO comforting is that He never gives up on me. He’s always willing to give me fresh mercy and grace. I love Him so much and praise His holy and incomparable name!! He’s always there, waiting and willing to give us rest! And how do we feel after we rest? Strengthened, refreshed, hopeful, and clear minded.
I encourage you to pray these scriptures over yourself. Whatever is holding you back from God’s best can be overcome in Jesus’ name! It cannot be done on our own…just surrender that idea…and instead pray to Him. Speak His word over yourself and allow yourself to rest in your Heavenly Father’s arms.
The Lord God is my sun and shield; The Lord this does grace and favor and glory! No good thing will he withhold from me as I walk up rightly. psalm 84:11 The lord this does grace and favor and glory! No good thing will he withhold from me as I walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
You are forgiving and good, oh Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, oh Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:5-7
Please share, and spread the good news! God bless 🙂