We put a lot of faith in this thing called “willpower,” and we wonder why it lets us down. Perhaps that’s because there is no power in our will. More specifically, the Bible tells us that even if our spirit has a strong will to resist temptation, our flesh is weak.
Matthew 26: 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This is not, however, an excuse -just a temptation towards reliance on ourselves where we need God. For God also tells us that the Spirit that God gave us gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Along my journey, my regular prayer has been for me to desire what God desires and for other desires to be squelched. I want His version of self-discipline. I don’t want willpower because I know that there is no power in my will – it all comes from God.
I agree. I also feel this way about “self confidence” or “self esteem”. We all need it to a certain degree, but more often than not, I’ve been thankful for lacking both regarding myself, for it has led me to cling to God and allow Him to work in/through me. Lacking self esteem or confidence has led me to find my identity in Him.