I was talking to a few friends yesterday and we were sharing our struggles. Some of us struggle with our bad habits and trying to change. Yes, God is greater and He will change our hearts, but let’s face it – sometimes we just make stupid choices. As with all of this, I will start with  myself. I have battled with the bad habit of smoking for over 8 years now. I didn’t smoke as a kid. I didn’t even start until I met my last husband and started going to those ‘wonderful’ 12 step meetings. Yeah. Drink coffee, smoke, and talk about how life sucks. And after that divorce I just kept going.
Now I have tried to quit. I tried the patch and felt like I was having a heart attack. I tried Chantix and almost went crazy again. Now, I have bought the lozenges to try again. I know I am not alone. My sister in Christ and I shared our struggles and agreed to pray for each other. last month I had a respiratory illness and the Dr. gave me an inhaler. And what did I do? Instead of using it as an opportunity to quit, I would go smoke and then use my inhaler. Yeah – stupid.
And then another sister and I were sharing about how those that we love continue to make bad  choices about their health. It is so hard to see those you love continue to struggle with self destructive behavior. Especially when you know that God has put an amazing call on their life and great destiny in front of them.
Now I know why Paul started all those letters to the Churches with “Grace unto you…”. Yeah, he knew that we needed more grace. Grace that abounds to love and to live the way Christ wants us to. Grace to change our hearts and our minds. And grace to give to others so we don’t hit them over the head.
Yeah, only grace can fix stupid!
Without the Word of God there will be no change in ourselves or others. The Word is alive and is able to change our hearts and our thoughts – and finally our actions. Help us Lord, to see things from Your point of view. Transform these stubborn minds, in Jesus Name.
Idk about you, but today I am going to open up that Book of Life and eat! And I pray that those we love do the same. Give them a hunger and thirst for your Word Jesus.
The Cheerful Giver
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV)
  
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5 NKJV
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Wow, you nailed this one! Thanks for the insight. I continually need help with “fixing my stupid”. We have a mighty God. Be blessed.
Thanks so much Michael. Grace and peace to you too!