This morning’s devotional time has brought about some clarity I asked Jesus about when I first started to journal. I asked Jesus when I would finally quit having to deal with the lies of my abuse? Lies such as: one cannot ever overcome, one cannot ever be Christ-like, you’re just a sinner so get use to it, pornography will always haunt you because you’re just one of them. These thoughts not only haunt me but they are the ones I hear when our men come together in class. They are also ones the men at Celebrate Recovery often say.

In my devotional reading Charles Spurgeon says it is a sin to question (disbelieve) the promises of God that He gives us in scripture. His exact words are, “Banish any unbelieving fears, for they bring great dishonor to God….” As I continued my scripture reading in Ezekiel I read more about what God was telling him regarding the punishment the Jews were experiencing due to turning their backs to God’s leadership and following their own desires. In Ezekiel 22:30 it says, “And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap for Me….” Joyce Meyers writes. “God is looking for people today who will ‘stand in the gap’ for others just as He was in Ezekiel’s time.”

My questions to God this morning were answered in a very meaningful way. First, banish my unbelieving fears and stand in the gap prayerfully for others who struggle with their own unbelieving fears. Joyce concludes her writing by saying, “Then you will be a blessing to them, and you will make much faster progress toward the fulfillment of your destiny.” Second, it is very important that I stay honest with my struggles telling the ones I trust so they can stand in the gap for me. Lastly, it is also equally important that I ask what the struggles are for others so I may stand in the gap for them. This is James 5:16 in action, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”