Blogging seems to be the new trendy pass time of our fast paced, technology filled lifestyle, but lets not forget for just a moment that a "blog" is really just a fancy way of saying "written thoughts". I can think of a few good biblical heads that would be considered fabulous bloggers, David, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.... to name just a few... But I digress.
It is currently 12:22 am and as usual, my almost 2 year old son is asleep on the couch next to me. I was woken up by him, for the second time, so I thought I would continue some research I had started earlier on testimonies of ex gay, now Christian, people. To my surprise, I have found lots of them! One in particular was shocking to me because it was coming from a 75 year old woman. Her name was Roberta and she
had quite a remarkable story. She spoke of her childhood and adolescent years that were spent
in confusion of not knowing why she was different. Roberta was so honest about her
struggles and fears. She lived with women, slept with women, had multiple failed realtionships
and almost took her life when thankfully God gave her a vision. She
dreamt that she was at the gates of hell when Jesus appeared to her, telling her to
change. She was saved shortly after and even then she admitted that she just
believed that God just made her to be homosexual. Roberta talked about not wanting to
give in the truth, it was easier to continue believing a lie than face the
harsh reality of the truth...but we all know the truth shall set you free! She finally gave into knocking at her heart and gained a new identity, one only defined by the love of Jesus.
When we are a new creation in Christ we are still who we are, but have a
new found purpose and identity. Before God saved Roberta, she was Roberta the
homosexual. After God saved Roberta, she became Roberta, daughter of the most
high king. I truly believe that once people are living in God’s truth and see
themselves through his love, their identity has to change.
I can't help but to compare homosexuality to my struggle with food addiction. It would be easier for me to say that I was born to love food, I can't change, I won't change because I have no desire to change but in reality I am well aware that gluttony is a sin. Even in my heart I know that when I over eat and obsess over food, I am committing a sin. It is something I have to repent of all the time. Every person struggles with a different problem. I could look a drug addict and think "just quit" while they could look at me and say "just stop eating". God looks at us both and says "I can heal you both".
God is no respecter of persons. He treats us all the same, loves us all the same and wants all of us to love Him in return. The concept is quite simple but the journey getting there isn't. My walk with the Lord that seems to be easy at times and yet an uphill battle at other times, always leads back to this: "God's grace will always surpass my efforts to be like Christ". Rest in His goodness and find peace in your God given identify instead of your world given one.
