The Pebble in the Shoe

Many a time I have been walking outdoors when suddenly I feel it. A small pebble in my shoe. No matter how small it is, the pebble hurts my foot as I walk, causing me to eventually stop, take off my shoe, and get it out. It's amazing how something so small can cause such a strong discomfort. You would think that it would take a good size rock to stop you in your tracks, but all it takes is that little small pebble. I mean, this thing can be the size of a grain of rice, and you still feel it! And it is so uncomfortable.

In our walks with Christ, we sometimes mess up. Sometimes, it's a small thing like a lie or a thought. Other times, it's a big thing. We like to think that it would take a boulder of a sin to mess up our walk with Christ, but the truth is, all it takes is a small little pebble to set us back. That small little sin that we forget about, yeah, that's the one.

You see, when it comes to walking with Christ, sin is sin, no matter how big or small it is. Christ calls us to be perfect. Let me say that again. Christ calls us to be PERFECT. And when we mess up, it sets us back. Just like we have to stop and get that pebble out of our shoe and then catch up, so it is with Christ. Fortunately for us, He is patient and will wait on us. But He won't wait forever. He's not going to keep holding up His plan because we have to keep stopping to get rocks out of our shoes. So the question is, how do we keep the rocks out?

Well, this is where it gets complicated...you have to look deep within. First, figure out what your rock(s) are. I know mine is lust. Next, you have to figure out what triggers that temptation. For me, sometimes it's something someone says, or something I see on Facebook or the TV. Sometimes it's even seeing someone I find attractive. Are you with me? Have you figured out your rock yet and what triggers it?

If so, I must warn you, the next step is not easy. What you have to do is avoid it. Avoid the triggers. If that means blocking certain websites, do it. If that means ending certain relationships, do it. Whatever it takes, avoid the triggers. Now, we know the devil is crafty, so you're not going to be able to completely avoid the temptation. That's where prayer comes in. You have to pray that God will shield you from your weakness. And you have to pray that when you are exposed to the temptation, that God will give you the strength to resist. But, when you do mess up and get that same ole rock back in your shoe, you have to stop, dig it out, and start all over again. I know it's not easy; no one ever said it was. I've been doing this for 6 months and I've still not gotten the hang of it. But it's something we got to do.

From my experience, this is what I've learned:

- I am a lot weaker than I thought.

- God's forgiveness is endless.

- Psalms 51:10

- Having someone to talk to that's going through the same thing helps.

- Pray often.

- Stay busy so you don't have time to sin.

- Have faith in yourself and in God.

- DON'T GET DISCOURAGED.

I'm not sure why God laid this on my heart tonight. I guess someone else needed to hear it. Please, always remember that God wants us to walk with Him and will help us along the way. No matter what you do, HE STILL LOVES YOU! God bless.