Am I The Only One...?

It always seems that God works in themes for me. Let me explain.

Shortly after we started studying No Other Gods, by Kelly Minter, I started noticing that every article I read, sermon I listened to, Sunday School lesson I attended had the same theme: breaking down idols/false gods. This went on for probably 6 months or so.

A few years ago it seemed everything centered around God's sovereign grace (what I call the doctrine of election and predestination).

Just a couple of months ago everything centered around becoming a godly wife and mother. So much so that it's inspired Kate and I to revamp the women's ministry at our church. This theme seems to be continuing but He is now focusing on one little (or, rather, HUGE) aspect of my life....

Self Control. This past week I heard two broadcasts from Nancy Leigh DeMoss on the subject of self control. My Monday night Bible study group is going over Feminine Appeal (by Carolyn Mahaney) and the chapter we're on this week is all about self control. Not to mention my study in Hebrews as well as my pastor's sermon this week added depth to this subject.

And can I just tell you how hard it is for me to control myself? I am a wild woman who, apparently, doesn't like to be as structured as I think I do. I eat what I want - when I want. I wake up when I have to rather than when I should. I work out as little as possible when I know good and well that I NEED to do it daily. I choose poor television and music choices over the ones that I know will provide godly edification and encouragement and even over serving my family. I could go on...and on.....and on........

Am I the only one God works on in themes? I wonder how long this theme of self control will last. I am just so thankful that God hasn't (and promises to never) give up on me. Sometimes I feel like I am a lost cause when it comes to self control. But what is amazing is the encouragement that I found in through this chapter of Feminine Appeal (chapter 4): "For whenever God gives a command, He also provides the grace to obey it." - Carolyn Mahaney (By the way, in Titus 2 God commands women to be self controlled)

We fleshy people cannot control ourselves on our own - it's only by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that we can have any form of self control.