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Activating Will Power

By Pastor Paula White

Published: August 16, 2010

As we journey through this second half of 2010 – God’s year of “fulfillment and completion” – you may find that bringing your goals to fruition may take some good old-fashioned “will power!”

One of the best definitions I’ve ever heard of will power for a Christian is, “Will power is adding MY ‘WILL’ to GOD’S ‘POWER’.” Will power is a vital force, to help you focus your energy towards the completion and fulfillment of your goals.

For instance, we all know that if your goal is to lose weight, it takes will power to overcome temptation, change your eating habits, and get out there and exercise. If your goal is to start a new business, it takes will power to go to the library to do research …especially after a long day, when you’re too tired to move another inch!

If you feel ready to begin your ministry, it takes will power to accomplish even more ‘to dos’ now added to your already-full schedule. And if you want to go back to school, it takes will power to use the internet for gathering information, rather than playing another game of solitaire on your favorite game site!

If we consider the force behind will power, we can see its connection to the power of faith. Faith enables us to believe we can accomplish what we are setting out to do. That faith will stoke our will power, empowering it with a sense of possibility. Our faith helps us decide, “I WILL do what it takes to accomplish this…and I know that with God’s POWER, I can!”

Our faith is ultimately at the core of everything we ultimately do in our lives. If we believe we can do something…we do! If we believe we can’t do something…we don’t.

For those of us who are Christians, our faith is made more powerful by the truth that Holy Spirit indwells us and helps us to do those things that are pleasing in God’s sight. Even if we don’t fully believe we can do something in our own strength and ability, all are challenged by God’s Word to believe that we can do it with God’s help! As the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

The key to experiencing success as you set out to achieve your goal is believing that God is at work in you, through you, and all around you! God will give you the power you need! Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God could care so much about our goals and endeavors, but He does.

Some people might be thinking right now, “Oh, Paula… God can’t possibly care enough about my weight loss issues to stick around and help me out with them.” But according to His Word, God cares about everything that will bring you wholeness, well-being, and success -- according to His divine and perfect will for your life. He wants you to achieve an abundant, harmonious wholeness that's in every area of your life – family, relationships, career, finances…. and in your entire body, mind and soul.

And as far as our bodies go, God’s Word makes it clear: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3: 16 – 17). God considers your body to be a temple for His Spirit…so He will surely be concerned with how you are treating it!

Sometimes just finding the will power to take the first step toward your goal is the hardest. People can get overwhelmed at the idea of “beginning” something – especially if it’s a goal or vision that is especially important or meaningful for them. Often, they become so afraid of not being able to accomplish their endeavor, they forget that one small step at a time is all they need to move toward their goal!

Jesus shared in Matthew 17:20: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Now, a grain of mustard seed was about the size of a grain of pepper…while a mountain was probably the largest physical object that could be seen in Jesus’ day. He was explaining that even if you have the least amount of faith, you can accomplish great things!

You may not have a great amount of faith, or will power, but God’s Word also tells us that we’ve each been given a “measure” of faith (Romans 12:3). That means, we’ve all been given some amount of faith, and some ability to activate it, increase it, and work with it!

So, even if you can’t fully see the completion of your goal, or the fulfillment of the vision God has put in your heart – remember what God has already put inside of you…a measure of faith in His POWER, and His ability. Add that to your own WILL to accomplish what your goals are… and, like a mustard start with small beginnings, you’ll find the will power to start where you are! 

© Pastor Paula White. All rights reserved.

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