I have found differences between “trying to be abstinent” versus “being willing to be abstinent.”
If I am trying to be abstinent, I am in a state of great confusion.
If I am willing to be abstinent, I am in a state of great humility.
Trying to be abstinent implies I should be able to do it, but I am struggling.
Being willing to be abstinent implies I do not know how to do it, but I am willing to learn.
If I am trying to be abstinent, I am closed to guidance.
If I am willing to be abstinent, I am open to receiving help.
If I have been trying to give up old ways and have condemned myself for failing to do so, I can simply become willing to learn how to replace those old ways with new ways of peace.
If I am trying to be abstinent, I tend to judge myself a failure.
If I am willing to be abstinent, no setback becomes a problem, for I know I will be shown the way.
Trying to be abstinent places the responsibility on me.
Being willing to be abstinent places the responsibility on God.
Trying to be abstinent is an act of separation from God.
Willingness to be abstinent is, in a sense, a prayer.
When I try, there is resistance.
When I am willing, there is acceptance.
If I am trying to be abstinent, everything is interference.
If I am willing to be abstinent, everything is of assistance.
Outside the will of God there is no such thing as success.
Inside the will of God, there cannot be any failure.
