Day 25

No sugar or dairy

This really cracks me up! My devotional for today from my little book, A Spectacle of Glory, by Joni Earackson Tada, actually starts out by saying: “Enjoying a bit of junk food now and then in moderation is no sin. A little salty snack, a piece of chocolate, or the occasional Frappuccino won’t do us lasting physical harm.” Did you hear that? “IN MODERATION!” Yes, Joni is totally right, if moderation is the result. But if you are a sugar-addict like me, it usually doesn’t resemble moderation. Interestingly, other words that are synonymous with moderation are restraint and self-control. It certainly is no surprise that “Self-control” is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Leafing through Charles Swindoll’s book, Living the Proverbs, I re-read parts of Week 18, “The Grind of Addiction”. Addictions or Compulsions come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Not to mention varieties! Whether it’s drugs or alcohol or shopping or eating or watching TV or playing games or smoking or sweets, “No addiction – I repeat: no addiction – is stronger than the Almighty. Never forget that His power stills storms and heals diseases and raises the dead. The wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different.”

Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it (1 Corinthians 10:13 TLB).

Swindoll goes on to say, “While God may preserve you from your addiction, it’s far more likely He intends to preserve you through your addiction. In other words, your healing will most likely be a long process. … Bottom line: Don’t go it alone. If you struggle with an addiction or compulsion, you need the support and the accountability of a community to help guide you. … God has provided a way for you to escape this awful grind. Take that first step toward healing. Don’t delay.”

An accountability partner is always a good idea. But sometimes we need even more assistance that comes from a counselor or an inpatient facility. Some Churches provide assistance or at least can direct you to where you can find the help you need.

I’m thankful to be reminded that I can trust God, and not allow Satan to steal my victory! Is there an addiction in your life? How are you bearing up patiently against it?