Struggle

About three or four years ago, I was standing in line at a Wal-Mart at around 2am. The cashier was in full autopilot when she stopped, looked again at what she had just bagged and then gave me a look that was simultaneously inquisitive and incredibly judgmental.

She asked me, "So, do you see a cause and effect problem here?"
She had just rung up two bottles, one of sleep aids, the other of caffeine pills. I smirked, shrugged and pretended to brush her comment off.

The truth was that I was heavily addicted to caffeine at the time. If I did not have at least four of those caffeine pills every day, I suffered debilitating migraines. The sleep aids, therefore, were the only way I could get to sleep at the end of the day.

God be praised, that cashier's words in my head became nearly as annoying as the migraines. I never finished either of those bottles. The resultant migraines were so painful that coworkers would often see me crying at my desk and I would blame it on allergies. The freedom I have now is so sweet, though, that the pain seems minuscule in comparison.

If Joy involves Peace and Peace begets Rest, then Americans are in deep trouble. We have a tendency, when we require spiritual rest, to either prop ourselves up with superficial stimulants like work or socializing or seek out artificial refreshments through substances or little mini vacations. We think we can escape our mistakes.

We hate the idea that we can’t function on our own. We also hate to admit when we are wrong. Here’s the truth: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Prov. 28:13)

There is nothing more frustrating then watching someone you love hurt themself. God must deal with that in us every single day. In Jeremiah, God pleaded with Israel, over and over, to stop doing what they were. He warned them again and again to turn back from their destructive path. They offered only lip service in response, though.

Imagine someone walking towards a cliff. You’ve tried to convince them that they’re going to fall off, and they said they believe you, but they keep walking. So you yell at them, “If you are going to turn back, then turn back! Stop walking that way!” and they respond, “I will. I promise.”

You beg, “Stop saying you’re going to do and actually do it. I don’t care about your promises.” Then, they start slipping off the side. Finally, you tell them, “Reach back for me and grab my hand and I’ll pull you up.” But they don’t. As they start to fall and realize what they’ve done the reach for you, but you hand is already stretched out and they’ve long past being able to grab it. They ask you, “Why did you let this happen to me?” And you respond, with tears in your eyes, “You did this to yourself. I am so sorry.”

That’s the scene we come across in Jeremiah chapter 4. It is as frustrating for God to see this as it is for us to see it. When you see this happen, warn people, but do not allow yourself to be pulled off the cliff with them. (Jer. 15:19)

God will expose the shortcomings, the sin, in our lives. (Eph. 5:13) Our response, when these are revealed to us, should be to acknowledge the sin. We don’t cover them up. When we admit to our failures and confess our mistakes, God forgives us and restores us. (Ps. 32:5; 1 Jo. 1:9)

There will be consequences. I won’t lie to you. A wise person, though, listens to reproof and accepts discipline. God only offers these things to the person He loves; just like a father disciplines the son he loves. (Prov. 19:20; 3:11-12)

Admit your failures, confess your mistakes, and accept your consequences. Joy will result.

I admitted that I had a problem. I told people who held me accountable to getting better. It was really painful to get over. I am so much happier and unhampered in my life now because I went through that.

Your struggle may be with bitterness, anger, lust, hurt, shutting people out, or…well you know what it is. I don’t have to tell you. Admit it and tell someone else, a bother or sister in Christ that can hold you accountable to getting better.

Discussion points:

Let this be an introspective idea. Don’t look for other people’s cliffs. What are you struggling with?

What’s the hardest part of this for you? Admitting to yourself, confessing to others, or dealing with the consequences?

Do you have people in your life that you can confess to? Where can you find them?

Is a little bit of pain worth the joy?