I’ve seen it many times. A football player crosses the end zone for a touchdown. Then a frustrated defender knocks the ball from his hands. The result is a fumble – in the end zone. The touchdown still counts. The offensive player isn’t bothered too much by the fumble, since he already scored.
In recovery, we look to put points on the board. Have you recorded a month of sustained recovery? Maybe you have been clean from masturbation for one year. Or no porn for five years. And then you have a moment of fantasy or lust.
I would liken that to fumbling a ball in the end zone.
Don’t misunderstand. No fantasy is ever good. Or lust. But celebrate the touchdown. Rejoice over your progress. Take the wins. Don’t let the fumble in the end zone define you. You are still way ahead on the scoreboard.
“We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Recovery Step: No slip is necessary. A relapse is not inevitable. Lust is avoidable. But never forget this timeless truth – it’s about progress, not perfection. Don’t live in shame if you fumbled the ball in the end zone.
