I want but cannot

Almost every day I want to return to a relationship I had three years ago. It deeply grieves me that to date that is impossible. You know why? The people involved in that relationship were terribly abusive to me. Yes I have forgiven them, but they refuse to even admit what they did much less apologize. I have learned both from experience and from learning from others experience in the same situation that if they do not apologize and stop this behavior if I return the abuse will only get worse. The foolishness of the heart say they can be reasoned with and then the relationship will be reconciled. The reality is that each of the three previous attempt ended in disaster for guess who?

So too it is with sin.

Maybe you have been on the wagon for years and run into an old drinking buddy who invites you for a drink for old times sake. You remember all the supposed good old days and want to return. What you forget is the damage done in your health, relationships and job because of the drinking. DON’T DO IT.

I recently read an article about a man who had just such an experience but he went for the drink. Seven days later he woke up in another country with his mind completely blank on what he did or how he got there.

How about gambling or watching porno’s? Whatever your addiction, the devil will come and tempt you with supposed pleasant memories of the fun you had while leaving out the destruction that was left in the aftermath.

Isn’t that the way all sin is? The fantasy never meets the reality and leaves a trail of destruction behind.

But there is an escape clause. His name is Jesus. When tempted call upon His mighty name, have Bible verses written out and carry them with you everywhere so that when temptation comes be like the old cowboys who would quick draw their pistols you quick draw your Bible verses and Jesus.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptationhas overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temptedbeyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 New International Version

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Shalom (God of our peace) for giving me the wisdom and peace in Your strong arms when the waves of past temptations come ceaselessly at times crashing down upon me. I give thanks in the name of Him who lifted Peter out of the waves that night Christ Jesus. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.