Each one of us has some kind of addiction or bad habit to overcome. I for one has an addiction to computer or internet. I feel depressed if I can’t get on my computer.
My husband is addicted to chocolate. There are also individuals who are addicted to work — “workaholics.” Others have some addiction that is not totally under their voluntary control.
All of us at times struggle with the need to change our most established “bad” habits —we find this so difficult.
The most critical battlefront in the war is to bring our will into harmony with God’s will.
The most difficult battle that we each face is an internal battle — a battle against the inclinations and desires of our natural heart.
Every experience in conquering addiction and bad habit is a battle to be won. The battle is more intense for some and less intense for others.
The Bible says that when Jesus was on earth, He “was tempted like as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:15. He, too, was tempted from within, just as we are.
Because He is the Savior of mankind and our Example, it was necessary that He experience the same temptations that we do.
He overcome all temptation and thus He can give us victory in every area of our life. He is willing to bestow that victory upon each of us if we merely reach out and accept the gift.
To receive this gift of victory from God, we are simply to ask Him, just as a child might ask his or her earthly father for something.
Our heavenly Father is willing to give if we ask. Let us talk to God as a friend, a personal friend. After all, He has a deep interest and concern for our quality of life.
The love of our Maker knows no bounds. He understands our problems better than we do. No matter how foolish and wayward we have been in the past, God is willing to forgive, to completely forgive, if we ask Him.
If we are willing to have Him guide us in a reformation in our life, He is willing to provide the power for a total and complete change.
We can trust God’s promise to provide us power to overcome addiction —
“He will provide a way of escape for every temptation”
~1 Cor. 10:13
Through God’s grace we can overcome every addiction and every bad habit.
Come daily to Jesus who loves you.
Open your heart to Him freely.
In Him there is no disappointment.
You will never find a better counselor,
a safer guide, a more sure defense.Through all your trials . . .
You have had a never-failing Friend,
who has said, “I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world.”
~Our Father Cares, p. 29
In Christ’s Love,
Your Beloit SDA Church family
Reference: Dr. Neil Nedley, Proof Positive, pp. 455-470
