In 2010, Kayla Montgomery joined her high school track team in North Carolina. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), she lost all feeling in her legs when she ran. Unable to sense pain or know when to stop, she trained hard and collapsed at every finish line. Her coach had to catch her. Yet, she became one of the top young distance runners in the country—not because of talent alone, but because of discipline and self-control. She ran with purpose and the end in mind. Her story reminds us: You can’t finish strong without running with control. Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." REFLECTION Self-control is the final fruit listed, but it often determines if the others can be seen. It's more than resisting temptation—it's about saying yes to God’s purpose. It shows the Spirit is alive and working in us. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." BIG KEY: Self-control is God’s power in us—helping us do what honors Him, now and for the future. Paul’s Honest Struggle with Self-Control Romans 7:15–24 (NLT) "I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate…" Paul reminds us: we’re not alone. Every believer faces this struggle. 5 PRACTICAL KEYS TO LIVING IN SELF-CONTROL 1. REPENT AND RESET DAILY Acts 3:19 (NIV) "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…" Repentance realigns our hearts. Each day is a chance to reset. 2. LET LOVE BE YOUR MOTIVATION John 14:15 (NIV) "If you love me, keep my commands." Fear fades, but love endures. When we grasp Jesus' love, we respond with obedience. 3. TRAIN YOUR DESIRES Titus 2:11–12 (NIV) "For the grace of God… teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness…" Self-control is learned through training. Like athletes, we grow by practice. 4. PARTNER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Galatians 5:16 (NIV) "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." We don’t control ourselves by trying harder, but by walking closer to the Spirit. 5. KEEP THE END IN MIND 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV) "Everyone who competes… does it to get a crown that will not last…" A future focus helps us say “no” now and “yes” to what matters most. ACTION STEPS Begin your day with 2 minutes of silence and confession. Ask: “Will this choice honor the One I love?” Choose one area to practice spiritual discipline (e.g., fasting one meal/week). In temptation, whisper: “Holy Spirit, help me.” Post your life vision where you’ll see it daily. Let it remind you: self-control is an investment in your future. CLOSING DECLARATION: Self-control is the fruit of God’s power in me that helps me do what I want to do, and not do what I know I shouldn’t do, so I can live a life that is honoring to God right now and in the future days ahead! Where do you need to “reset”? What area is God asking you to grow in self-control? Invite people to respond through prayer and surrender to the Holy Spirit.