Florida Writer's Testimony

What began as fantasies became, when harnessed to the power of internet images, a foe I could not defeat. My Christian upbringing, Christian education, and good church had built and maintained a strong conscience. I knew what I did was inexcusable, and knew it could not continue if I wanted to live for God and be used by Him. I'd confess it to Him, and determine to make a habit to guard my eyes and thoughts. Eventually however, complacency would set in and the habits fade, and soon I would be back to the same thoughts. This cycle went on for years, during which I could see a slow but sure decline in my spiritual effectiveness. Finally I began to understand that of course I couldn't defeat such a stronghold. That's the whole point! The Lord was not asking me to defeat the sin. He just wanted me to stay connected to Him, allowing His power to overcome it. For that to happen in my life, something had to change. I thought accountability was the thing I needed, and at first was not much interested in this devotional series, signing up for it simply as a place to start. Indeed, the major concepts of these devotions were quite familiar, yet they all tended toward that something I needed: fellowship with Jesus. That's the key to victory. Not good habits or willpower, but staying close to Him and letting Him take over the fight. What is fellowship with Jesus? It's talking to Him in prayer, listening to Him in the Word, doing what He asks, telling others about Him, etc. Nothing complicated or mystical, just treat Him as the friend who sticks closer than a brother. I'm thankful that these devotions have focused my attention on pursuing closer fellowship with the Lord. That's what it's all about!