A Week of Breakups, Breakdowns, and Breakthroughs

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO!

Yes, this has been the song running through my head all week. My goodness it is telling the truth too!

This has been a week of breakups, breakdowns, and breakthroughs for me. If you have ever struggled with any kind of stronghold in your life, you will be able to give this post a big AMEN.

It may sound silly, but my area of stronghold is drinking – not alcohol – but diet drinks (specifically Diet Pepsi). I am using present tense, because it is still a stronghold for me even though I have had some small victories this week.

Here is the down low…

The Breakup!

I have broken up with Diet Pepsi because it is something I have felt God calling me to do for years. I do not believe it is a sin for anyone. But for me, because it has a hold on me, controlling my behaviors and moods, God has convicted me – not you!

Linda, one of my sweet friends and Sunday School members, sent me a verse this week that made such great sense in view of my struggle.

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23

The Breakdown(s)!

Whew…You never know how addicted you are to something until you try to go cold turkey, which is exactly what I did. But in my heart, I knew if I didn’t COMPLETELY OBEY, I would cut back awhile, but then I would creep right back up to drinking as much as I always had.

On days 3-5 of my breakup, I truly wanted to KILL ALL THE THINGS! 🙂

The 3rd day was the hardest. Not only was I battling the caffeine headache and the extreme craving for bubbles, but also the HABIT. You see, on the 3rd day I was trapped in a car driving for 6 hours. Normally, on a trip like this, I would have a big ole styrofoam cup full of diet drink (preferably from Jack’s – light ice please) right next to me for the whole trip.

You would not believe the diatribes I was having in my head. “When I stop for supper, I am going to order a small Diet Pepsi with my meal. I deserve it!” But when I finally stopped, the words “water with lemon” came out instead to the waitress. Yes, it is the small victories that count!

Tabatha, another friend and Sunday School member, texted me and said, “You are stronger than cola in a can.” Well, I am not, but the Holy Spirit in me is!

Here are some verses that are helping through…

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…Galatians 5:16

I can do all things through him who strengthens me…Phil. 4:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Breakthroughs!

So here I am on Day 8 of my total obedience to what God has called me to do. There are some breakthroughs we will only experience when we are completely obedient.

I think of King Saul…God told him to COMPLETELY destroy the Amalekites because they had blocked the children of Israel coming out of Egypt. Saul spared the choicest of the animals and their King, Agag. An Agagite would later try to annihilate the Jewish people (read the book of Esther).

God told King Saul “to OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE”! 1 Samuel 15:22.

I think of Achan who hid silver and gold in his tent as spoils from Israel’s victory over Jericho. But God had placed a ban on everything contained in that city. Because of his hidden sin, the next military encounter they had was a huge defeat. (Joshua 6 & 7).

When I was on a work trip this week, the enemy kept whispering, “No one will know if you drink one – you are 6 hours from home”. Lord, help me not be secretive and hide my habit in hotel rooms!

How long will God have me “ban” diet sodas? I have no idea. But in my heart, I know that my next big break through with my ministry and with my relationship with God is dependent upon my obedience in this area of my life.

And you will notice the things helping me through…scripture, prayer, and the accountability of my friends!

This experience has also opened my eyes to how much more difficult it must be for my friends and family members who have addictions to much more powerful vices. I will pray harder and be much more understanding because of this experience!

I am also very aware I am only at the beginning of this journey and there could be stumbles and missteps along the way. So I desire your prayers and support!

“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Let me hear from you…with what strongholds do you struggle? What are your strategies for overcoming?