You will often hear people who give in to ungodly lifestyles describe the experience as liberating, even healing. But perhaps that is only because they have ceased to fight against the current.
Consider this, if you fall into the middle of a river, you will likely have to swim against the current to get safely back to shore. This will no doubt be exhausting as you strain every muscle hoping to survive.
On the other hand, if you just let the river take you, your muscles will be relaxed and you may feel at your ease – especially if the water is warm and pleasant and there is no apparent danger. However, eventually the river will sweep you away, and you will drown – or if you live in Florida you may even be eaten by an alligator!
Obviously, this is not the perfect analogy, but my point is a feeling of liberty from struggle does not make giving in to an ungodly desire right. Believers in Christ are promised struggle, sometimes even to the point of death. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Trouble is guaranteed in this world, but the reward is worth it. So no matter how hard, no matter how discouraging things may be – just keep going. God has promised:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
Isaiah 43:1-2 ESV
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
In the end Christ Himself will pull you from the water, and you will hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Until then, just keep swimming.
References
Scripture quotations are from The ESV ® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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