Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.   

Today, Kristy Fitzgerald shares about learning to exercise self-control. 

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age” Titus 2:11-12 (NIV). 

I stared down at the cigarette in my hand. I hated these things, but my body was addicted. I wanted to quit; I really did. What had started as a teenage curiosity had turned into a habit that didn’t want to let go. 

I had given my life back to God and I prayed constantly for deliverance. The struggle to stop only brought me guilt and shame. 

One Sunday morning, at the end of a sermon about complete surrender, I found myself weeping and praying. Something broke inside of me. As the tears flowed, I remember telling God I was going to serve Him no matter what. I realized that morning I had been concentrating on controlling the habit rather than surrendering completely to Him. 

God taught me a valuable lesson. It wasn’t what I had the power to do, it’s what He could do in me. I am happy to say that the addiction left miraculously, and I have never smoked again. I realized I was trying to fight in my own strength when God wanted me to release everything to Him. 

Many times, we find ourselves in moments of temptation, deciding to square our jaws, clench our fists and tell ourselves, “I won’t do this.” Often it doesn’t work, and we are left feeling weak and defeated. The truth is, in ourselves, we aren’t strong enough. 

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he tells us it is God’s grace that offers salvation and teaches us to live a self-controlled life. A life that is completely surrendered to God and led by His Spirit. 

Are you facing a situation today that feels out of control in your life? I encourage you to surrender it completely to your Heavenly Father. Through His grace, He will teach you a life of self-control.    

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com