Sometimes the greatest battles we face are the ones no one else can see… but Jesus sees, and He longs to set us free.
Recognising the Patterns in Our Lives
Many of us carry struggles we quietly battle behind the scenes.
When we take a step back and look over months, years, even decades, we can begin to see patterns forming. Areas where we feel stuck. Areas where we return again and again, hoping for a different outcome.
At times, we know something isn’t right, yet we “can’t see the forest for the trees.” In those moments, we may need the wisdom of a trusted friend or even professional support to help us see clearly.
These struggles can take many forms:
- Alcohol or drugs, promising comfort but never satisfying
- Overeating, hoping food will fill a deeper need
- Gossip or judgment, trying to elevate ourselves
- Gambling, chasing a solution that never comes
- Overspending, believing possessions will soothe our souls
- The need to be needed, to avoid being alone
- Perfectionism or competitiveness, striving to feel worthy
All of these can quietly become false gods—things we turn to instead of God Himself.
Yet none of them can give what only God can provide:
true peace, lasting joy, deep love, and real freedom.
When Old Struggles Return
Recently, an old tormentor resurfaced in my life.
Many years ago, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Over the past 45 years, I’ve experienced seasons of struggle and seasons of victory. In recent years, I truly believed I had been healed, that it was behind me.
But after a bout of illness, it returned.
Old habits can come back with surprising force when given even a small opportunity. What once seemed defeated can suddenly feel overwhelming again.
For me, binging became a daily battle. One that felt impossible to overcome in my own strength.
The Turning Point
I wrestled daily… and often gave in.
Eventually, I opened up to a trusted, godly friend. She prayed for me, and I was grateful. But initially, little seemed to change.
I began to wonder:
Had God abandoned me?
Was I too broken to be fixed?
I felt defeated. Bruised. A failure.
But in my desperation, I cried out to the Lord and He gently revealed something to me.
Not with condemnation… but with loving conviction.
I had been ignoring His promptings.
I had chosen instant comfort over true healing.
I had turned to coping by binging instead of turning to Him.
A Spiritual Wake-Up Call
It became clear that I had allowed something back into my life that didn’t belong there.
And not only that—it had grown.
As Scripture says:
“Now when the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they come in and live there; and the last condition of that person becomes worse than the first…”
Matthew 12:43–45 (NASB)
It was humbling to realise this had been happening right in front of me… and I hadn’t fully seen it.
But once I did, everything changed.
Choosing Freedom
I made a decision.
I submitted to God, repented (changed my thinking and direction), and took authority over what had crept back in.
I asked for His help and committed to listening to the Holy Spirit.
The very next day, I found myself standing in a shop, holding the very food I had been struggling with.
I paused.
I asked the Holy Spirit for help.
And clearly, gently, He said:
“Put it back and walk out.”
The battle in my mind lasted less than 30 seconds.
This time… I obeyed.
Freedom Is Closer Than You Think
What had once felt powerful and impossible to defeat… suddenly wasn’t.
Because I wasn’t fighting alone.
God is strong where we are weak.
From that moment, something shifted. Each day since, it has become easier. The peace and joy of the Lord have returned.
When we:
- Keep our eyes on Jesus
- Stay close to the Holy Spirit
- Walk in obedience
…we are transformed.
And we are set free.
As Jesus declared:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Luke 4:18–19 (NKJV)
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
An Invitation to Freedom
Today, I gently invite you to reflect:
Is there something in your life
a pattern, a habit, a behaviour
that is weighing you down?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you.
And if He does:
- Bring it to Jesus
- Turn away from it
- Ask for His help
He will guide you.
He will strengthen you.
He will comfort you.
And I promise you this…
Freedom is closer and simpler than you think.
🙏 Prayer
Lord,
Thank You that You came to set the captives free.
You see every hidden struggle and every silent battle.
Today, I surrender anything in my life that is not from You.
Reveal what needs to change, and give me the strength to follow You.
Holy Spirit, guide me, comfort me, and help me walk in freedom.
Restore Your peace and joy within me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🌿 Activation
Take a quiet moment today and ask:
“Holy Spirit, is there anything in my life that is holding me captive?”
Write down what comes to mind.
Then take one simple step of obedience today—just one.
Freedom often begins with a single, surrendered step.
Right now is always the best time to begin.
If this message encouraged you, please share the link with someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear how you have been released from a habit by God. Please share your story in the comments below.
And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿
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