September 22
Scripture focus: What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry--but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Ephesians 4:25-27 (The Message)
Early on in the recovery process, my friend was agitated -- often. No more expensive caffeine fixes in the afternoon felt like she was missing out on the good life! Fortunately, those creditors kept calling. Their nasty demands for payment helped remind her that there's no such thing as a free latte, especially if it's sitting on a charge card accruing 22% interest.
Her accountability team helped her stay on the path of truth. They reminded her that God's prevailing purposes probably weren't going to be altered if she stopped drinking mocha cappuccinos, but if she continued to believe the lie that she was incapable of change, that kind of attitude might keep her side-lined.
When my friend complained about packed lunches, they reminded her that this wasn't about whether one ate a ham and cheese on rye from home or a fast food burger. In fact, her financial recovery team often had to help renew her vision. This work wasn't about finances -- it was about learning how to trust God. She was trusting God by learning how to live within her means.
At first these small changes didn't seem very significant. Her whining continued. But her team stayed focused and told her that faith isn't a magic potion. They suggested that if she kept on taking the next right step, and if she trusted God with the outcome, good things might happen. But for sure, fewer bad things would happen!
Guess what? No, she is not debt free! But she is freer. She is closer. The red numbers are going down. She's making progress. She's feeling good about her boundaries and better about her character.
Once upon a time the Devil had a foothold in every area of her life, now it appears as if he is on a slippery slope, losing his grip. My friend is getting her groove back. Is she perfect? No way! Is she in process? Yes way!
May we all continue to ask God to show us how to trust him in all our ways.
Recommended reading: Esther 1-3
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