Have you ever tried to manipulate God? Maybe you asked God for something, but then you set out to help him answer your prayer.
Comedian Emo Philips said, “I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked God for forgiveness.”
While I don’t commend the bike stealing theology, I’ve certainly been there. And I have discovered that manipulating God – or life – never works out. But when I muck things up, one thing does work out.
Forgiveness.
John wrote, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Recovery Step: If you have crossed a few lines in your effort to fix things in your own strength and wisdom, take heart. The God who promises to guide you – if you let him – also promises to forgive you.
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.
