Friends Like These

"If you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:10 CEV

Temptation (5)

If you're stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention, failure and guilt, you won't get better on your own! Certain temptations are only overcome with the help of a committed friend who prays for you and holds you accountable. Becoming transparent is part of the answer to your lonely struggle. Listen: "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (Jas 5:16 NIV)

Problems only grow in the dark, but when you bring them out into the light they shrink. You're only as sick as the secrets you keep, so take off your mask, stop pretending everything's OK and come out into the light.

Satan wants you to think your temptations are unique, so you must never share them. No, we all fight the same temptations! The reason we hide ours - is pride! We want others to think everything's under control. The truth is, whatever you can't talk about is already out of control in your life. If you could handle it on you own you'd have done so. Willpower and personal resolutions aren't enough. Your problems are too engrained, too habitual and too big to solve on your own. So, if you need help today, humble yourself and ask for it!

Answer this tough question: "What am I pretending isn't a problem in my life? What am I afraid to talk about?" Yes, it's humbling to admit your weaknesses, but lack of humility is the very thing that's keeping you from getting better.

Word for Today is published by Rhema Broadcasting Group. This devotional is available free in print or email format www.rbg.co.nz