kojministries.org Issue 1 2018 37
KEYS TO VICTORIOUS LIVING
As believers, we often can’t bring ourselves to
ask for help. “I’ve got this!” becomes our motto.
It’s almost like we see physical and emotional
independence as spiritual strengths. Unfortunately,
this so-called strength of not needing anyone too
often becomes a downfall. Nearly every article in
this issue is testimony to this truth.
The reality is, apart from God, you and I haven’t
got anything. We overcome our trials only through
His never-ending strength, power, and wisdom.
Furthermore, apart from the support of trusted
people, we will often fall away in our isolation.
I don’t know what you are facing today.
Perhaps it’s a battle with sinful thoughts, addictive
behaviors, defeating emotions, declining health,
or unstable relationships. Whatever it is, take it to
God. Then go to a trusted friend for help or advice.
Don’t be afraid, prideful, or ashamed.
A friend struggling with a pornography addiction
once told me, “Satan wants you to feel like you
can’t tell a soul and that if you do, everyone will
reject or judge you. He wants you isolated so that
you fall, and fall hard.” Unfortunately, my friend
did fall hard, and he lost much because of his sin.
Isolation is the devil’s playground. Yes, some
people may reject you; some may even judge you—
Christians included. But so what? Their rejection or
judgment is better than your destruction. If you
isolate yourself in your sin, if you hide in guilt and
shame, you are sure to fall prey to the enemy. He
will kill, steal, and destroy everything good in your
life. It’s only a matter of time.
Don’t allow Satan that victory. Don’t assume
that others will reject you. There are many people
who will meet you where you are and love you
through your struggles. Give them a chance.
No matter what you’re struggling with, tell
someone today. Start by telling God. Humble
yourself and agree with Him that what you are
doing is against His will for your life. Call it what
it is—it’s sin. Yes, I know; we don’t like that word.
It sounds so judgmental and condemning. But
anything that is against God’s will is simply that—
sin. Ask God to forgive you for falling short of His
perfect standard.
First John 1:9 says that if we confess our sin,
God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Did you hear
that? No sin is left out. This is our promise. John
3:17 says that Jesus didn’t come into the world
to judge us, but to save us. Sin has the power to
destroy us, but God will deliver us from it when we
come to Him through our faith in His Son.
And listen to this: God invites us to boldly
approach His throne of grace, where we will find
all the help we need (Hebrews 4:16). We don’t
have to be afraid—God already knows about the
sin in our lives. He is God; He knows everything.
He is just waiting for us to own up to it so He can
help us overcome it. He promises to provide a way
out for every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We
only have to ask.
Once you’ve told God about your struggle, tell
someone else—a trusted friend, pastor, chaplain,
coworker, or family member. Find someone who
will help you stay accountable in your actions.
This may require going to a program or group for
recovery.
I’m wondering though—could we, perhaps, be
avoiding asking for help, not because we are afraid
of God or the rejection of people, but because we
actually like our sin? Is the problem really that
we don’t want to let it go, whatever it is? If we’re
honest, do we desire it more than we desire a
close relationship with God?
I think it’s something to consider.
Sin feels good to our flesh. It comforts us and
can momentarily make our problems seem far
away. Letting it go once and for all may not be
easy. That’s why we need help—both from God
Almighty and from others.
If we want God’s blessing in our lives, if we want
to experience His presence daily and be used by
Him, we must rid ourselves of sin and choose a
life of holiness. It is impossible to walk in sin and
walk with God at the same time. The paths of sin
and God go in opposite directions. God’s path
always leads to victory, while sin’s path leads only
to destruction.
Decide today, once and for all—do you want
victory or destruction? Call out for help from the
God who provides. The moment you do, hope
and help will be on the way.
Ask For Help
by Kristi Overton Johnson
/kojministries.org