RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

Everyone develops habits in their lives: good ones and bad ones. But the phrase, “That’s just a bad habit,” can be a cover-up for a long-term pattern of sin. In fact, the “bad habit” is often a stronghold in our lives to which Satan has access. So our enemy can keep us from the victory Jesus wrought 2,000 years ago. A bad habit is a physical pattern that can be harmful to us and displeasing to God. Often it’s something that’s been haunting us since childhood. How do these habits get into our lives, and how can we know freedom from them?
First, not all habits are bad. We often have good habits that are necessary to function. If we eat regularly and consistently, that’s a good habit and a part of our natural makeup. But if we eat obsessively, then eating becomes a bad habit that is ultimately destructive. A bad habit can be an extreme practice of something that’s normally healthy.
Some people think if we have enough willpower, we can overcome our bad habits. It’s true that some people have an enormous amount of willpower. But I’ve never met anyone with the ability to overcome all their patterns of bad behavior. The only human with that kind of ability to ever grace this planet is Jesus. He alone holds the key to victory over every bad habit. Only Jesus can set us free from the bad habits that stalk us.
When I was a single university student, I met a beautiful girl who wanted to be elected freshman class secretary. Originally from the state of Texas, she had acquired the nickname “Tex.” Her inward personality was as beautiful as her outward appearance. But she had one very serious bad habit: she smoked constantly. Cigarette smoking had been a part of her actions since high school, though she knew it would ultimately destroy her body.
One night, after God had been speaking to her heart, she went to her dorm room and cried out to the Lord, “O God, I need you. I place my faith in your Son, Jesus. Come and dwell in my heart.” In that moment, a miracle took place. No, she didn’t see a flash of lightening or handwriting on a wall. But the King of kings took residence in her life. He became the source of her victory, including victory over smoking. What she was unable to do by human willpower, God did in her by His power. She began to experience victory. Though Satan had a stronghold on her through tobacco, he was no match for God.
I’ve seen alcoholics find freedom from their addiction through Christ. I have watched the most hardened drug abusers discover victory over addiction by the power of Jesus. Whatever it may be, Jesus provides the victory over every bad habit — no matter how large or how small. It doesn’t matter how impossible it may seem to overcome, the habit’s not too big for God. He specializes in the impossible. Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 kjv). What habit continues to drag you down? Look to Jesus. He will raise you to victory over any bad habit.