I read something in the book of Judges recently that really got me thinking. Judges 2:20-23 So the Lord burned with anger against Israel. He said, "Because these people have violated my covenant, which I made with their ancestors, and have ignored my commands, I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. I did this to test Israel--to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the Lord as their ancestors did. That is why the Lord left those nations in place. He did not quickly drive them out or allow Joshua to conquer them all.
I feel like I've struggled with addiction forever. Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, now food and coffee. Craving excess seems to be a constant companion for me, much to my chagrin and frustration.
Almost twenty-five years ago the Lord delivered me from drugs and alcohol. A year after that cigarettes left. Those were difficult battles, but through the strength of Jesus, I was able to lay those things down and never pick them up again. I am forever grateful for these victories.
But food and coffee are another story. I am in a constant battle with them and ridding my life of the desire to overindulge in either seems near impossible. And I never understood why God left the spirit of addiction with me when He delivered me from the most destructive of my addictions. It has always confused me. Until now.
When I read the above passage in Judges, I finally understood that it was God's way of testing me to see if I would cling to Him with the same zeal and fervor I needed in order to get away from drugs, alcohol and nicotine. Or would I let the desires of my flesh rule my days. I don't believe God did this in anger, but to remind me daily of my desperate need of His deliverance, strength and salvation.
In the early days of my battle, I clung to the Lord, hour by hour, sometimes minute by minute to overcome the cravings for cocaine and alcohol. It was the same with cigarettes a year later. But I've forgotten all of that, given in to temptation with excuses and lame reasonings. Instead of looking to the Lord to deliver me from excess, I've said "tomorrow" more times than I can count. What an eye opening experience this has been.
I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast yesterday on de-stressing our lives. One of the topics she covered was the five ways Jesus kept stress out of His life. The one that struck me most was prayer and I knew God was tying it into this new revelation on addiction He'd given me. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane...He was desperate. And He prayed, and prayed and prayed some more. Finally the Lord sent an angel to strengthen and minister to Him.
When there is a difficult, sometimes almost impossible battle waging in our lives, we need to pray and pray and pray, staying connected to our Father. The Lord will answer. And He will send help. We need to hang on. It's so much easier to give in, so much easier to just let go and follow our flesh. I know. I've done it probably thousands upon ten thousands of times over the years. But I don't want to anymore. I believe the Lord revealed this information to me to tell me it's time to overcome. This year seems to be one of tough love for me! And I love it!!
I know the Lord can do this. I can praise and thank Him for the victory already in place. Through gratitude and trust (this year's resolutions!) I can follow Jesus into my place of rest, my own promised land!
Lord, thank You. We all have battles that seem unending, unrelenting. But You are our Savior. You are for us. And You will be our deliverer. Lord, help us to do our part, to cling to You and never let go. Help us to stand, in Your strength against any addictions that seem determined to keep us in chains. I don't want to live imprisoned anymore. Thank You for revelation. Lord, I pray this helps others who struggle like me. I pray they learn and overcome along with me. Lord, it's hard. You know that. But like You told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9..."My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Lord let our struggles draw us closer to You, let them push us into Your arms. Lord, let us truly live out Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Let it be more than a pretty Scripture we quote...make it a reality in our lives, a rock on which we stand. Lord, I know I can't overcome on my own...nor would I want to....I want You to be glorified and honored. I want You to get the credit for anything good in my life, any victories. Thank You...You are awesome. I stand in the Name of our victorious Savior. Amen.
Hang on, stay connected, stay in prayer.
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