I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Romans 7:15-17

Step number one for an alcoholic or other addict is realizing that the physical craving is more powerful than his own willpower, that it’s essentially a disease that has gotten a grip on his organism and he’s powerless to overcome it.

In the same way, realizing that my craving for sin will betray me in spite of all my desire and determination to do the right thing opens a whole new dimension of understanding about the spiritual battle I face: I’m addicted to sin; like a disease it has a grip on my flesh, and that grip is more powerful than my own decision to be good.

I can deny that there’s anything wrong, but that denial just proves how strong my addiction is. The first step to victory is realizing that the sin-sickness has that death-grip on me and it isn’t going to let me go. I’m going to be needing forgiveness, because it’s going to happen again.

The second step is discovering that there is someone higher, stronger than myself who can and will help and deliver me. Then I begin the long and often painful process of learning to draw strength from Him minute by minute, because the moment I let go of His hand I fall back into the old ways.

So long as I’m in this flesh, the cravings are going to be there. But those cravings don’t define who I am. In my heart I agree with God that they are wrong.

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing that You understand our condition. Thank You for delivering me from being defined by my sinful desires. Thank you for Your constant forgiveness, and for coming alongside to help me live free, day by day. Keep me close, Lord! Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles