Avoiding

      I've been seriously struggling with lustful thoughts recently. Its consuming, it feels like the only escape is to just give in but that’s a lie straight from the enemy. God always gives us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." It's very clear here, every time we sin there was always a way out and there always will be, so we have to make the choice every time, "Am I going to worship myself, or am I going to worship God by turning away from this sin?" Last night I chose God, this morning I chose me. I hate that I did and I wish I could take it back, but I cant. So now it's time to get back up, pick up my cross and march on.

            One thing I've come to learn whilst reading proverbs, is that the best way to fight lust is to not fight it at all! In combat sports such as MMA, you are considered a woos if you "duck" a fight. Well when it comes to lust, "ducking" is your safest option, the second you walk in the cage with lust you already lost. Don’t even start fight camp, if you do don’t make the walk, if you do don’t enter the cage, if you do run out before its locked, if its already locked climb the fence. There are so many steps you have to take to allow yourself to give in, don’t entertain the thought in the first place, that’s what we would call not even starting fight camp. The best and easiest way is to kill the thought and surrender it to God before it even has a chance to come near you.

             I wish I would take my own advice sometimes, like writing this now I know there is no excuse for me falling except for the fact that I literally chose to. And that can sometimes be the hardest thing to cope with because you can't blame anyone but yourself. But accountability plays a huge role when it comes to overcoming this. And seeking wise counsel is a great thing to do as well. Being honest with yourself, God, a trusted friend or family member can go a really long way. So for anyone out there reading this right now I hope and pray and have faith that all of you struggling with the same thing or something different, will overcome it with God. Have faith always, turn in prayer always and God Bless!