Our Sexual Sin, His Sword, And The Sky

Sexual sin is always knocking at our doors. We're hopeful it remains unwelcomed, yet sometimes, if we’re honest, we let it through the back door or the window in the shape of pornography or masturbation. Other times, it barges in with full force through a dream or a flashback we just can’t seem to shake.

How do we overcome temptation when it is no longer a knock that we can easily dismiss? When it slithered around our protections and we were suddenly face-to-face with its sinister seduction, unarmed?

Are we really unarmed?

The answer depends on us. While we’re often told to flee from sexual immorality, Ephesians 6 calls us to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and to slay our temptations. God has graciously armed us with every truth we need to overcome our struggles, but the responsibility is on us to wield it.

A fight can come up anytime, most of the time when we least expect it. 1 Peter tells us to be alert for our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy us. Knowing this, what should we do?

Hold on to a sword

If someone asked you right now, "What Scripture are you highlighting to fight against this week's temptations?" I sincerely hope you would have an answer. A dear friend asked me this question a few weeks back. Psalm 22:24 came to mind. It was something I was holding on to as that week began. It says:

“For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.”

"The affliction of the afflicted" caught my attention. God not only understands our inner beings but also our affliction, the suffering itself. He gets it. He understands our struggle. In Hebrews 4, we know Jesus was tempted in every way. When He finished His work on the cross, He knew loneliness. He feels for us. His face is right before us, not against us. He hears the cries of our hearts. I loved how this verse from Psalm 22 paints a beautiful picture of God's heart towards strugglers like me—an empathetic friend and savior.

“But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.” It's been about a year since the last time I cried desperately to God for help in the face of a difficult temptation. Even though I still struggle with intrusive sexual thoughts to this day, it’s been a long time since I felt crippled by it. This all changed as I soon found myself fighting.

How Psalm 22 became my sword

That same week, because of an undesired dream, I woke up extremely tempted. The temptation was so strong; I honestly believed I'd end up giving in for sure. I was already contemplating how I'll go about confessing, starting over again, and all the usual stuff that precedes after I fall. It was so overwhelming. It felt new and familiar at the same time.

New because it's been a while since I've been tempted that much. And familiar because the truth is, I've been in that place too many times in the past. I felt hopeless—paralyzed as if the only thing I could do next is give in, but by His grace of reminding me of the sword I possessed, I was able to say a simple desperate cry for help, "Lord Jesus, please take this temptation away." And by His mercy, He heard! Right after that, even if the temptation was still there, it was not as strong. I was also reminded that in Him, I have the strength to run away. He could have easily taken the temptation from me, yes. But He wanted me to experience His faithfulness by means of obedience. 

it’s called a struggle for a reason

I didn't flee the temptation right away. I still wanted to indulge—I tried to reason with myself in my room. But because He has not hidden His face from me—as written in the Psalm—I no longer felt paralyzed; instead, I knew I was deliberately resisting the freedom that was offered to me in Christ. I resisted and fought, battling with my inner self. Will I choose obedience and freedom? Or rebellion and sexual sin? In the fighting, His grace surrounded me. Only then did I finally flee, going outside. I looked up at the sky and it was beautiful.

Fighting with you,

Dolly.

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About the Author:

She would like for you to know that you are perfectly loved just the same before, during, and after you fall—not more, not less, but perfectly, always. Use this truth to fight your sin all the more.

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