Sometimes, blessing is followed by darkness. And darkness is followed by blessing.
Consider the story of Abraham. God had promised him a son, a nation, and a legacy. But in the short run, Abraham got this: “When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abraham; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him” (Genesis 15:12).
God would eventually deliver Abraham a son, but not until he had destroyed his sense of self-sufficiency.
One of God’s names is El-Shaddai, meaning “all-powerful God.”
Perhaps you are waiting for the promise of recovery, a reconciled marriage, or some other powerful breakthrough. Remember, even in darkness, that God is still there.
Recovery Step: Rely solely on El-Shaddai, the all-powerful God. Nothing less will do.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
