Written By: Alora Yee

In one of my recent support group sessions, I encouraged a fellow sister by stating, “Everything is redeemable with Christ.” She stared back at me in disbelief and responded, “Really? I’ve never heard that before.”
In times of trouble, trial, and trauma, it’s hard to see the other side of the valley or wilderness we find ourselves in. It may be troublesome on its own to find the faith to believe that God is going to turn all of this bad for good. (Romans 8:28)

I want first to highlight a promise given to believers by God:

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6)

Addiction can be described in many ways, but my favorite description is idolatry. What are your comfort and refuge? If it is anything but God, you are committing idolatry. In times of struggle, who or what do you turn to? Does it make you feel better to solve and fix things by yourself? Do you run to food, sleep, or busyness? Does the new title you’ve achieved give you a sense of security that you are the one in control? A drink, entertainment, or perhaps your favorite sport is the ultimate source of comfort for you.

How often are we prayerfully seeking the Lord in all things? How often are we really seeking God as shelter from our daily lives? How often are we praising Him in the good and the bad? Who or what are we worshipping? This is not so much about what we are doing as much as it is about what is in our hearts. What are we putting our faith into to solve all of our problems? After all, “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) This grace transforms; this grace restores!

Jesus’ ministry was simple. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17) Our minds are renewed in our relationship with God because of Jesus. Our thought life, habits, and character wholly restored. We must only believe the truth that our sins have been paid for by the blood of Christ; there is now no condemnation for us, so that we may “go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) No longer caught up in our shame or guilt, needing to escape and hide in other things or people that are not our Heavenly Father.

Our character is proven in how we finish. In the end, do we choose to do the right thing? Do we choose to correct our mistakes, to ask for help, to humble ourselves, and make things right with an apology or ask for forgiveness? I also believe we do this by the strength of the Holy Spirit and by His grace. We are never alone. I am here to encourage you that in your walk, God sees all of your efforts. He knows your heart.

“A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise!” (Galatians 5:9)

Here Paul is speaking about false teachings and its effect on the church. Remember the iniquity to the third and fourth generations. Imagine with me what believing, praying, and loving God’s truth can do, (for thousands of generations!)

Whatever it is that you know needs to change, believe He is in control, and He will transform your faith in Him. Restoration is possible!

“Glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

I encourage you to read Romans 5 in its entirety.
Celebrate every small victory and praise Him! Know that every time the tiniest change happens within you, it will be returned by His faithful love to thousands of generations after you. Talk about a legacy! Thank you, Jesus, for going before us and paving the way.

My prayer for you today is that God would soften your heart in areas of hopelessness, helplessness, and disbelief. Go to Jesus, you who labors and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30) Amen.

Written By: Alora Yee