Chocolate!

There simply aren’t many things in life that seem to carry the prestige of indulgence that is fantasized more frequently than Heaven itself. The power to motivate some people through sensual appeal, yet condemn others through compulsive appetite is an incredible phenomena sweeping the world today. The mere thought of it can buckle the knees of the strongest minds or cause the dedicated to abandon their purpose; yet stand as a succulent reward for those who dare reach out to grasp its perceived fame.

Speaking of weaknesses, have you ever considered where your life’s battle is fought? The heat of battle is often fought without a clear understanding of the objective, yet we march on to fight another day through our relationships for a purpose we neither understand nor believe. In the midst of all the chaos, arguments and failures, lays a subtle reminder of our vulnerability wrapped in an attractive package containing the sweet temptation of the finest chocolate the world has ever known.

Long before you knew you were in the midst of a battle, the scars of repeated failure reminded you of the intense warfare, yet an understanding of “why” would not be satisfied. Rhetorical questions swirled around in your mind and lay uneasy on your heart like a dormant land-mine awaiting discharge. One failed relationship after another led you to blame others, yourself and finally God, yet your chocolate was always there to sooth your pain after another mistake.

Targeted campaigns of sensuality, lust and sex have risen faster than the stock market in times of prosperity. The two-sided coin of life can be tricky at best. One side tends to feature women who starve for genuine affirmation and attention through men, while the other side seems to counter act through unhealthy character building birthed through selfishness. Navigating conflict never meant as much as it does now as you bend, tuck and roll to avoid the moving targets of life that reinforce social acceptance for acting out illicit fantasies and behaviors.

2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV)

What do you see in yourself? How do others see you—Is there a big difference? The rocky road you’ve traveled thus far is merely getting started. Do you remember the person you first dated? Emotions were difficult to gauge because everything was new, exciting and mystical yet somewhat uncomfortable. Small talk about anything quickly became the focus of life, yet your relationships today are dying for lack of oxygen.

What else is there to do when you’re alone again, or worse—married for any period of time yet feeling alone. The person who once served as your source of chocolate has now become a bitter lemon. This tragic transformation didn’t happen over night, yet picking your fights has ultimately been rewarded with a cold relationship, a broken heart and a perceived unattainable prize—the joy of being happy again.

The delusion of proving your strength by returning to the scene of the crime is as pathetic as the alcoholic who thinks they are strong enough to hang around bars or someone with a sexual addiction who spends hot summer afternoons at the beach studying the inhabitants of the land. Everyone struggles with something in life and you are no different. When life pushes against the shores of your sanity and is difficult, even unbearable—your faith, in that moment, is validated for what it truly is. That which remains will either contend or crumble under the pressure of life’s stress, and your character will rise or fall with truth as its judge.

Most likely you’ve heard this kind of message before and are exhausted from it, yet when you weigh it against all the things you’ve been trying up to this point, it’s easy to conclude that “your way” simply isn’t working out. Rest assured, life offers more varieties of chocolate than you will ever know, however there is one chocolate that will never leave you thirsty again. Do you want it?

If you could make everything right in your life today—would you? Take this opportunity to step toward a new life regardless of your personal pain or circumstances. If you are honest and desire truth, then stop running and invite Jesus Christ into your life right now. Simply admit to Him that you’ve messed up and need His help and forgiveness, ask Him to be your Lord and Savior and give you a desire to know Him. It’s that simple. Be encouraged!

Egypt McKee
Author, Speaker and Pastor

Out of Egypt Ministries
www.OutOfEgypt.com
www.LifeTheStruggleWithin.com
©2009 Copyright, Egypt McKee, AuthorHouse Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

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