Can God Use a Strong-Willed Spirit?

Written By Kimberly Sciscoe

A good many times in my life I’ve been both praised and scolded for my strong-willed spirit. Maybe some of you can relate. I generally took it as a compliment, even when I knew it was supposed to be a correction. A strong-willed spirit can work either for or against us. The balance is very delicate.

Only the tempering of the Holy Spirit can keep us in healthy alignment with God and others. I can use my strong will to be a mighty force for good when I’m submitted to the Lord. Left on my own…well, that’s another story.

I submit my will to God every day. Sometimes, as the day progresses, He reminds me that my will is not always His will and graciously places me back on track.

During my recent reading about the children of Israel in Exodus 35, I was inspired as I read about their heart and their will. Verse 21 says, “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments” (emphasis added).

Moses had just given them God’s covenant laws to govern their lives and had instructed them about offerings and keeping the Sabbath. God’s requirements were written in great detail. The Israelites had two choices: obey or disobey.

Notice how their heart and will were involved in their obedience. Their hearts stirred them up. The children of Israel allowed themselves to be moved upon and to be stirred—denoting a heart change. Then their spirits made them willing. Oftentimes, we are not immediately willing when God gives us our next steps of obedience. But we can pray and ask God to allow our hearts to be stirred. We can ask God to align our heart and spirit so we can take the next step of faith and obedience.

The enemy wants to complicate things in our head when really it is as simple as surrender.

Don’t pray for your will to be broken. Instead, pray for your will to be strengthened to do His will. We need a strong will to accomplish His purposes in our life.

“God, use my strong will to uphold a willing spirit—a spirit willing to surrender and obey. As I obey, I trust You, knowing that the fruit of obedience is joy.”

Kimberly Sciscoe

Kimberly Sciscoe has always had an extraordinary love for people! Connecting them to Jesus is her life’s passion.

Kimberly was blessed to be born into a family with God as their center. As a young teenager, her passion for missions took her to Costa Rica and Panama. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Kimberly enjoyed teaching in both public and private sectors for ten years.

In her home church, Kimberly focused on outreach, discipling new converts, and teaching Bible studies at a state recovery center. As a single adult, Kimberly served as a missionary in Puerto Rico and Spain. On May 3, 1996, she married Jason Sciscoe, the love of her life, and has enjoyed being his earth partner ever since.

Jason and Kimberly have traveled the globe sharing Jesus with others. In 2004, they founded Triumph Ministries International Network. It gives Kimberly great joy to serve alongside her husband as co-pastor of The Church Triumphant in Houston, Texas. Kimberly’s hands and heart can be seen in leading Ladies Ministries, Outreach, and Discipleship efforts.

Combining her love for education, women, and children, Kimberly has worked with global partners in India, championing such causes as caring for orphans, educating women and girls, and empowering the underrepresented while spreading the love of Jesus.

Kimberly Sciscoe is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Soul Winning: Connecting People to God Everywhere You Go. She is a motivational speaker and serves as a mentor to many. Her most treasured audience is her two children.

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Jesus Is the Bread of Life Part 2