I love your site and check in everyday to read your questions and answers. I believe God has given you discernment concerning his word and blessed you in this area. I have questions regarding an issue that has really troubled me as a Christian. In the past few years as my internet use has increased I have become tempted by the images and things I have seen here. I readily admit that this issue has actually become a real problem for me. What started out as just a peek a couple of years ago has grown into an almost everyday struggle for me. I never saw it coming and it didn’t just happen overnight. Why did this happen?
Did I just let the devil in somewhere down the road where he has since created a stronghold or do you believe that God allowed Satan to tempt me in this area? This sin is destroying my christian walk and I want freedom but I can’t shake it. I also want assurance that God is working in my life to help me overcome this sin and bring him glory with my life.
At some level you had to want this to happen. The Bible says that temptations are manifested out of our own evil desires. (James 1:14) then before we know it we’re trapped. The stronger the desire the more securely we become ensnared. But while we can’t control our feelings, we can control how we respond to them.
Here’s a link to an article I wrote on controlling our thoughts. It’s called the Law of Displacement and it will help you make your escape. As for assurance that God is working to help you overcome this, Romans 8:28 says that God is working everything together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. With our cooperation, God can turn even the bad things that come into our lives into blessings. Overcoming this bad habit will increase your faith and improve your ability to minister to others who are similarly ensnared.