Why Do I Share My Struggles?

In one of my latest posts I posed a question. I asked if you were living a life beyond ordinary or if you were just going through the motions. I also asked if you knew what distracts you from living in God's image.

One of the biggest distractions and loudest noises in my life was an addiction to pornography. It was an addiction that consumed me daily and almost consumed my marriage. One of the detrimental affects of the addiction was the barrier that it created between my wife and I. My wife always wanted to talk to me and she wanted to know what was on my heart. But because only darkness dwelt in my mind and in my heart I choose to stay quiet, afraid of revealing my sins. 

Then on August 14, 2007, when the weight became more than I could carry, I gained enough courage to seek help. On that day I attended a 5:00 A.M. prayer meeting and at that meeting I encountered God and was forever drawn to His light.

God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:5-9

I've been asked why I am so open about my past struggles. I think the best answer can be found in the Gospel of Matthew.

In Matthew 7:3-5 Jesus says, Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

From the above passage I've learned that if I point to my own log for others to see, invariably others can see the splinters in their own eyes. And when the obstructions are removed from our eyes, it is then, that we can see the true beauty of God's light.

If you know of a family member or friend that is having marital struggles please forward this message to them. It may be what they need to hear. Also take a moment to watch the video below so you can take a glimpse of God's bright light.