If you are like me in any way, then you are probably astounded when you see people continue to submit themselves to some form of abuse or oppression. I always feel stunned by the lack of foresight that these people or cultures have; it's like watching a character in a horror movie go into a room that everyone knows contains an axe-wielding maniac.
Nevertheless, one cannot fail to see that breaking free from relationships that we have with people, places, or things is hard to do, even if the relationship is destructive. The fact of the matter is is that despite the pain these things cause, we are getting something out the relationship; something that we believe will give us life. It isn't until 'these idols' all but kill us are we 'somewhat' willing to make a break. Even then, surprisingly, the temptation to go back is very strong.
Take the people of Israel, for example, who were set free from the oppressive abuse of Egypt,'s Pharaoh. Here is a people who had been in Egypt for 430 years, and severely treated for a little over 30 years. By the end of their stay in Egypt, their covenantal identity had been lost and replaced by the will and provision and of the Egyptian king; so much so, that they couldn't imagine trusting God to fight, lead, or provide for them. Their 40 year journey from the Red Sea to the Jordan River is chalk full of attempts at trying to submit themselves either back to Egypt or to some other idol. No amount of exhortation, encouragement, or experience of the power of God in their lives completely set them free from their inclination to submit themselves to oppressive rulers. (Encourage all to go back and read Exodus and Numbers) All this to say, 'breaking up is hard to do', regardless if it was positive or not.
My inclination for why this is so in the human family is because we lack the spiritual faith and imagination that there is something trustworthy, valuable and powerful enough to take the place of our idols. We see this played out in Exodus 13:17-22. Israel could not believe that the presence, leading, and light of God in their lives would be enough to protect and provide for them on their journey home. Perhaps the most amazing reality is that God the Father knew this would be the case. Think about it: He knows that we are going to struggle with making clean breaks from the idols of our hearts. Therefore, he constructs the steps of our lives to force us to have to trust Him for our ongoing deliverance. He loves us enough to disciple us through tough circumstances so that we can be enabled to better perceive, embrace and enjoy His loving presence. I am so glad that our Father doesn't always give me what I want and that He is working to
Nevertheless, one cannot fail to see that breaking free from relationships that we have with people, places, or things is hard to do, even if the relationship is destructive. The fact of the matter is is that despite the pain these things cause, we are getting something out the relationship; something that we believe will give us life. It isn't until 'these idols' all but kill us are we 'somewhat' willing to make a break. Even then, surprisingly, the temptation to go back is very strong.
Take the people of Israel, for example, who were set free from the oppressive abuse of Egypt,'s Pharaoh. Here is a people who had been in Egypt for 430 years, and severely treated for a little over 30 years. By the end of their stay in Egypt, their covenantal identity had been lost and replaced by the will and provision and of the Egyptian king; so much so, that they couldn't imagine trusting God to fight, lead, or provide for them. Their 40 year journey from the Red Sea to the Jordan River is chalk full of attempts at trying to submit themselves either back to Egypt or to some other idol. No amount of exhortation, encouragement, or experience of the power of God in their lives completely set them free from their inclination to submit themselves to oppressive rulers. (Encourage all to go back and read Exodus and Numbers) All this to say, 'breaking up is hard to do', regardless if it was positive or not.
My inclination for why this is so in the human family is because we lack the spiritual faith and imagination that there is something trustworthy, valuable and powerful enough to take the place of our idols. We see this played out in Exodus 13:17-22. Israel could not believe that the presence, leading, and light of God in their lives would be enough to protect and provide for them on their journey home. Perhaps the most amazing reality is that God the Father knew this would be the case. Think about it: He knows that we are going to struggle with making clean breaks from the idols of our hearts. Therefore, he constructs the steps of our lives to force us to have to trust Him for our ongoing deliverance. He loves us enough to disciple us through tough circumstances so that we can be enabled to better perceive, embrace and enjoy His loving presence. I am so glad that our Father doesn't always give me what I want and that He is working to