I am finding the name that God gave me for my ministry, Living the Life Transparent, a challenging one. For me it is easier to be transparent one-on-one or talking to a group than it is to be transparent in black and white with words on a screen.
Case in point - although God has chosen to free me from an addiction to pornography I am still tempted. Hard to admit because I want to be a recovered porn addict - done, finished, complete. When in reality I am a recovering porn addict and may be so for the rest of my life. Being tempted keeps me humble and it keeps me in his word and on my knees. It also keeps me real and makes me a continuing work in progress.
In Living Free: Learning to Pray God's Word Beth Moore tells the story of a woman who was set free from an addiction to both alcohol and tobacco years ago. She has no desire whatsoever to smoke but still has the desire to drink. Beth goes on to make the following point, "If God had broken her free of every stronghold that easily & rapidly, she would never have learned to depend on Him. The lingering desire to drink, coupled with an exceeding desire to overcome, has challenged her to choose the authority and power of God every single day. In His sovereign wisdom God teaches his strength in her weakness."
I met recently with a friend who is a recovered alcoholic. Tattooed on her arm is the quote “But for the grace of God go I.” It struck a chord deep down inside me. I think this rings true for all of us no matter what area we struggle with – addiction, dishonesty, gluttony, pride etc. Because any of these (and many others) taken to the extreme destroys lives. But by God’s grace we are saved.
2 Corinthian 12:9-10 says, “But he (the Lord) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
In what areas do you struggle? And are you allowing God’s strength to shine through your weaknesses? Join me in praying God’s word – Lord, Thank you that your grace is sufficient for me. Help me to delight in my weakness knowing that through it your power is made perfect. Amen.