What overcoming lust looks like...
Overcoming lust isnât just about going on a streakâitâs about transforming your mind and spirit to the point where temptation loses its grip. Hereâs a breakdown of what to expect as you grow in self-control and godly discipline: 1-3 Days: This may feel easy at first because you just failed, and your conviction is strong.(You feel guilty from just giving in) But this is also when itâs easiest to give in because your streak isnât long, and your brain craves that instant gratification. - The enemy will try to convince you that âone more timeâ wonât hurt. - You might feel discouraged and think, "Iâll never change, so why even try?" - This is the time to fight back with truthâremind yourself why youâre doing this. đš Key to success: Stay in prayer, stay busy, remove easy access to temptation, and confess to someone how you are feeling. 4-7 Days: Now the battle gets real. The urges come back strong, and you may feel an intense desire to give in. - Your mind will try to justify falling again with thoughts like, âAt least I made it a few days.â - You might experience strong temptations at night or when you're alone. - Doubt starts creeping in, making you question if itâs even possible to quit. đš Key to success: Strengthen your discipline by fasting, praying, and cutting off triggers. 1-2 Weeks: Youâll start to experience deep mental and spiritual warfare. - Lustful thoughts may increase in frequency. - You may start having sexual dreams (your brain trying to get what itâs used to). - The enemy may hit you with thoughts of loneliness, regret, or even frustration at God for how hard this is. đš Key to success: Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and replace it with Godâs Word. Donât dwell on lustful thoughtsâshut them down immediately. 3-4 Weeks: This is a make-or-break momentâwhere most people either push through or fall back into sin. - If youâve remained strong, temptation will slowly lose its power. - If you fall here, itâs tempting to feel discouraged and give up completely. - The key here is momentumâone âyesâ to lust can make it harder to resist in the future, but one ânoâ makes the next ânoâ easier.