It is Mercy and Grace - Even if it doesn't feel that way

Good parents know that truly caring about your child means training them to deal with adversity, not constantly insulating or delivering them from pain and suffering.  There are times when children are helpless and need assistance and times when they only think they are helpless. 

For example:  A boy is walking barefoot on the sidewalk with their parents. The parents have told the child to stay on the smooth path, however the boy sees something of interest down a gravel path and runs after it. He immediately starts howling as the sharp rocks hurt his feet.  The first time the parent lifts him from the gravel and plants him back on the sidewalk.  The scenario repeats itself 3, 4, 5 times.  Each time the child runs further away and then screams for help.  At what point does the parent stop assisting the child and make them decide to make their way back to the sidewalk?  Is the parent more caring if they rescue the child for the 400th time?  Is the child trusting the parent when he ignores their instructions and continues to run away from the sidewalk?

Many times we feel as if we are helpless, after all "perception is reality" the psychologists will tell you.  But God is the only one who knows what is real.  He promises that he won't give us more than we can handle. He tells us to  come to Him, to have faith and not doubt (Matthew 14:27-33).  Our perception is that we are powerless to overcome lust, but God commands us to do so.  We need to change our perspective and set our eyes on Him. (Hebrews 12:2)

It is God's mercy and grace that allows us to feel the pain of our sins and the pain of coming back to Him. If we never have to battle against our sin then we will never grow in obedience and perseverance and holiness and self control. (2 Peter 1:5-6)  It is for our benefit that He allows us the struggle.  When we trust Him and overcome we are encouraged and we learn more about Christ.