Addictions Create a Foothold for Satan

A habit arises quicker than we realize.  Some say 21 days or 28 days; while others say 66 days on average.  Which ever the case may be, we are creatures of habit.  The consistent actions keep us in the know of plans.  We map out our day and continue in the same pattern as the day before.  Our lives resemble cookie cutters; predictable and homogenous.  A comforting feeling arises when remaining the same, never changing.

Unfortunately, habits can become destructive and hinder our eyesight for His plan.  We need to become flexible and transform our thoughts and patterns to His perfect will.  Often our acquired behavior patterns become so common to us, we fail to realize their presence.  The monotony inhibits our growth. 

'They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” (2 Peter 2:19)

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.' (1 Corinthians 6:12)

The more obsessions and "feel good" addictions we pick up along the way, the greater the devil's foothold.  Satan will use any worldly pattern to suck us in.  The lies spoken consume our thoughts and the habit becomes our master.  The damage to our soul when choosing the lies as our master leads only to destruction.

I am guilty 100% of falling victim to pleasing my flesh through addictive behaviors.  I love being in the know of what is to come.  Anxiety arises when I sit and wait in the unknown.  Satan entices me with ways to find peace OF this world.  His lies lead my flesh to desire a drink, a cigarette, deprivation of food, routine in my eating patterns or over exercise to numb out of any anxiety.  These addictions only begin the process of bondage.  If not caught quickly, I could easily fall back into the enemy's hands.  I must take a stand and turn it all over to Him. 

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

He has your best interest at heart.  Replace every flesh driven habit with prayer.  Change every lie from the enemy to Truth from our Creator.  Rely on Him for your plans.  Throw routine out of your life and continue to GO in the direction of Him.  No day will be the same.  He continually commands good works every place your feet travel.  Okay, so you will constantly be unaware of the future, avoid cookie cutter days and may feel incompetent from time to time.  Guess what?  With every obedient step, He blesses.  He provides the strength and confidence to defeat the enemy and do what is right in His eyes.  Become a servant to our Creator and live life to the fullest!  Create a habit of turning it all over to Him!

God, thank you for this day.  This day is in Your hands.  Guide my every move so to grow even closer in relationship to You.  Rid me of my ugly habits which create bondage over my life.  Keep my eyes focused on You so I may not be mastered by anything of this world.  May my flesh never feel comforted by my past addictions and the lies Satan tries to feed me.  Thank You for breaking the bondage he placed around me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig