A friend told me the story of her father's final years. He was a crotchety old man, increasingly quick to criticize. Everyone knew he wanted to die and I secretly wondered why God was taking his time with a person who had clearly lived a rich and fruitful life. He was ready for his reward.

When he eventually died there was a folder with a cover letter containing his journal for the past five years. In it he described a struggle that he had never dreamed of fighting.

Porn.

At the age of 85 it grabbed him like a monkey on his back and he could not get free. He had held such addictions with utter disdain in his earlier years, perhaps blaming the addict for his weakness. But here he was, in a wrinkled body too feeble for chasing women and he found them on the internet. Scandalous.

He wanted people to know, hence the cover letter clearly stating his wishes. Ministers should know. People should know, that longevity did not grant immunity to lust.

My friend did as he asked, and told people. She told me. A passage in Jeremiah describes a war between the children of Israel and their enemies, that encompasses the odds.

For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he. Jeremiah 31:11

If you believe you are impervious to failing, you tend to stand casually, weight on one foot, leaning against a wall, hands in your pockets. But if you are aware of the pending danger, say a mugger with a knife, you stay keenly aware of your surroundings ready to bolt.

Porn is a foe that is stronger than most of us. People don't wake up each day and freely chose to indulge. It has them like a vice, which it is. There are people who are willing to help you wrestle, but it is still hard. The odds are against you especially if you fight alone.

The people who survived the sword
Found grace in the wilderness. Jeremiah 31:2

I have an inkling he is finally free.

SA

Pure Life