Overcoming the recurrence of the past
Etched beneath the smiles of people who waltz by us daily are the deep-seated scars as a result of some mishappening of the past of which some of us have been victims. We have developed coping mechanisms to deal with these “skeletons in our cupboards”. However, each time some pressure of fear is applied, it comes bursting forth like a rapidly deflating tire. Pastor Poju Oyemade in an Instagram interview with Past Leke Adeboye said: “You are easily tempted back into something you used to do”. This holds true when we look at the parable of the empty house that Jesus described.
Matthew 12:43–45 (NKJV) “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
“Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. “Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”
The moral of the story was not that the demon returned to a “clean” place but an “empty” place. We have many Christians that have been made clean by the precious blood of Jesus but have left their hearts empty of the word of God.
We must constantly fill our hearts with the word of God fellowshipping with His Holy Spirit. One of the things I have noticed when people fall back into temptation is the fact that such persons stopped fellowshipping with God. They stopped the routines of practising the presence of God. The soul of a man cannot be empty for long. There will always be some external influence seeking to gain access and ultimately control over the person’s life.
Statistics show that 50% -90% of the people who went to rehab had a relapse (they went back to their addiction). There were a lot of reasons for them slipping out of sobriety but one was striking and that was the fact that after rehab, those people went back into the same environments where they once used those drugs ( now, superimpose it for other addictions). This shows that not all addictions are “demonic” in that a demon causes it by possessing someone. But if one is addicted for some time, it won’t be long before his empty house gets filled with some unclean spirits. Statistics also show that it is more difficult getting out of relapse than someone who goes into rehab for the first time. This validates beyond doubt, the very words of Jesus in the scripture above.
1 John 3:20 (NKJV) For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
If you are born again and you find yourself still slipping back into addictions, do not condemn yourself. God understands what you are going through and that is why He told us to come to His throne of grace to receive mercy (a spiritual enabling).
Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
The way to stand fast is by practising this next passage of scripture:
Jude 1:20–24 (NLT) But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.
Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins. And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.
- Keep building your faith in communion (don’t leave your soul empty).
- Watch your thoughts because evil (anti-Christ) communication corrupts. So try to choose your environments carefully.
- Determine to do this for the rest of your life. There is no such thing as stagnation in the spirit. You are either moving forward or back. Therefore, establish routines to ensure your soul maintains the discipline of fellowship
Bolu Olatunji
Pray this: Father, I receive your mercy today to start over. I am making up my mind to stay in communion with you. Help me, Lord. Amen.
