Transformed – teen devotion – August 1, 2021
In this series we’ll look at some of the struggles that we have that we endure silently, secretly. We struggle secretly and alone. What does God’s Word say to us in our darkness and trouble?
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Addiction
Nobody wakes up in the morning and decides to become addicted to something. But for every addiction, there was one day when it all started.
It always starts small. One vape. One drink. One pill. One video. If someone saw it happen that first time, they would probably say it was not that big of a deal. But it becomes a big deal when you keep going back to it.
Is there something that has taken control of your life? It could be something that, up to this point, has been small. Or maybe you are wrestling with something that has become bigger than you ever thought it would. You feel awful about it. You feel ashamed. You feel alone. Whatever you are addicted to controls you.
Wherever you are at, there is hope.
Your Father in heaven does not want you to be controlled by anything. He wants you to be free. God is not waiting for you to overcome addiction so he can start loving you again. He loves you right now, and he is with you right here. He wants to show you how the thing you keep longing for will never fulfill you the way that he can. He wants to get you out of it.
If you find yourself being controlled by an addiction, would you take a positive step today? Start by confessing your weakness to God. Ask for his strength in overcoming this temptation. If you can, confide in someone you trust and ask them to pray with you.
Right now, the resurrection power of Jesus is alive in you by faith. Enjoy the freedom that he alone can give.
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, you love me so much that you sent Jesus to give me freedom from sin and death. Help me recognize the things in this life that can imprison me in emptiness and loneliness. When temptation confronts me, provide a way out so that I can enjoy the peace and security that you alone can give. Amen.
