There is a stigma that surrounds Christians. We are not allowed to struggle. If you are a Christian; life is sunshine and lollipops. Not only that but if you do find yourself battling something, you can be sure someone is thinking, hah! Hypocrite!
For the most part, I think we do this to ourselves. I see it every week at church. It’s almost as if we put on our Holy super suit and head off to pretend everything is hunky dory.
The masquerade is often destructive to our testimony. Other Christians who are struggling with bondage, see the perfect persona we put on and wonder if they are the only ones who are having a really hard time in life. It can often lead down a bumpy road of self destruction.
God doesn’t really love me if he lets me go through this.
I must not be a real believer.
I can’t do anything right.
If I tell anyone, they will look down on me.
I can’t believe I did this AGAIN.
Non-believers are quick to pick up on our weaknesses and decide that we’re liars. The mask HAS to come off. In our weakness, He is made strong (2 Cor 12:9 )! Other believers can be made strong through Christ by hearing the struggles and victories of other believers! No one wants to feel like they are alone in this world. We need each other to grow. We need each other to pray!
Now, please don’t misread this. I am not saying we should all be walking around saying, “Oh whoa is me!” and having a big old pity party (and don’t we all know someone like that?). What I am trying to say is that we need to bring to light, that which is holding us in the pit so that we may have victory!
If others do not know that you are having problems, how then will they know to pray for you? If you have had victory in bondage, give your testimony! Others WILL benefit from it! People need to see hope and light and we are to reflect the hope and the life that is in Christ (John 14:6 )!
Jesus himself said in this world we would have troubles (John 16:33 ). Christians are not immune to struggle and sin. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23 ). What’s different about Christians is we have accepted the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our forgiveness. (Luke 5:20 )
What are you struggling with?
* Your tongue (Eph 4:29 ) (Prov 15:1 )
* Porn (2 Tim 2:22 )
* Unforgiveness (Col 3:13 )
* Addiction (nicotine, alcohol, drugs, video games, sex, computer time, tv, other media)
(2 Thess 3:3 )
* Depression (Ps 37: 23-24 )
* Marriage (Matthew 19:6 )
The list goes on. You have been freed from sin! If you need help, ask for it! If someone comes to you with a battle, do not gasp in horror (Mat 7:1 ) but instead, fall to your knees and pray. Then love them! You are commanded to do so. (John 13:34 )
Take off the mask and take hold of the promises that are made for you to have VICTORY!! Claim God’s word for yourself and loosen the chains of bondage.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
You are not tempted by anything that is not common to man. Common! You are not alone! You are not a freak. Pray for forgiveness and help.
* I write this because I also find myself struggling. My life isn’t perfect and life gets me down. If you are having a rough time, feel free to email me. I will be happy to pray for you. We need each other and we need God to intervene!