“And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, the old is better” (Luke 5:39).
As a loving God, He understands human nature and recognizes that certain weaknesses such as pornography, can have a destructive effect and lead to addiction. He knows that individuals who have become accustomed to old habits may not immediately desire something new. Sometimes, we even believe the old ways are better. However, God is patient with us. He will work with us to bring about the change our hearts desire. All He asks is that we keep the flame of desire for change burning, not resist His work, and He will help us ensure the small flame of hope never goes out.
Just as a physician provides medication to a sick person with the promise of healing within a specific time frame, God works slowly with you to bring about lasting change that has a solid foundation and can withstand the challenges brought by temptations like pornography.
The house that resists the wind and waves is being built block by block with Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Be patient and keep praying. Your fight is not just to break free from pornography—that’s a negative approach to the problem. The positive approach is to draw closer to the light and let it gradually eradicate all darkness.
Doesn’t nature teach us that a dirty old stain on any surface requires more than one stroke to be cleansed? It’s the same here. We are not here to count the days since we last looked at pornography; we are here to count the days we’ve stayed with Jesus.
As we go through this battle, one block at a time, we need both power and patience.
The Real Battle
You will immediately receive the power, just like the sick man at Bethesda who could rise after thirty-eight years of being unable to stand. But patience is the actual battle here. Let’s consider another story of a blind man Jesus healed.
Then He came to Bethsaida, and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.” (Mark 8:22-26)
A man went to Bethesda with his friends, seeking healing from its pool—or perhaps pursuing his sinful desires. When his friends heard that Jesus was nearby, they begged for His help. Surprisingly, the man himself didn’t ask Jesus for healing. It was his friends who pleaded on his behalf.
Many of us struggling with pornography may not feel the need to change. We’ve grown accustomed to our darkness and believe the lie that it’s okay as long as no one is getting hurt. This man approached Jesus without asking for healing. Maybe he doubted Jesus’ ability to change him or preferred his darkness over the light. He might have worried that Jesus would see through him and reject him for his sins. These are thoughts that may cross our minds, and perhaps these were the same thoughts this man had, which is why his friends pleaded for him instead of him asking for help himself.
Imagine being unsure and skeptical about Jesus’ ability to assist you in your difficulties. Despite this uncertainty, you gather the courage and bring yourself to where He is—similar to the friends who brought the blind man to Jesus. God sees your confused soul and your divided will. He understands you need healing.
God sees you are burdened by obstacles preventing you from seeking genuine help. He acknowledges that both you and I are facing struggles, even though our situations may differ. Because of this, He chooses a different approach. Rather than simply commanding healing, He desires to connect with us personally and offer comfort.
Solid Heart
Bethsaida, the place where these events took place, witnessed many miracles. Jesus even said:
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes”(Matthew 11:21).
Bethsaida symbolizes those who harden their hearts and reject God’s Word.
Jesus could see through this man’s heart. It was solid like stone. While other sick people cried out for help, this man didn’t even bother to ask. It was his friends who begged for him. Jesus, knowing the state of his heart, chose to address the root cause first—the hardness of his heart—before healing his physical blindness.
First, Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out of town, away from the harmful environment and sickness. Together, they walked slowly. After leaving the town, Jesus sought to help the man understand the extent of his darkness. Even though he was physically blind, Jesus prioritized healing his inner darkness first.
I have spent many years asking Jesus to help me win this battle, resist temptation, and stay strong.
Strong Foundation
Later, I realized what Jesus was doing—it was just like what He did with that blind man. Giving me victory over my habits might bring temporary relief, but if the darkness remains in me, I will likely relapse quickly. Jesus wants the change to come from within. He desires to cleanse the darkness inside me, not just offer a surface-level fix.
Once our inner eyes are opened, we can see clearly. Many people believe that watching pornography or indulging in similar habits isn’t a sin. We’ve lost sight of what’s right and wrong, and we find it acceptable because it feels like everyone does it. We remain blind to our mistakes, not knowing how to change.
When Jesus touched the blind man, He asked if he could see. This touch brought hope and belief. The man, previously in total darkness and unaware of his wrong actions, was now able to see—though imperfectly at first. He could distinguish between right and wrong. He could confidently declare, “I can see,” even though his vision was still blurry—he saw people who looked like walking trees.
This is a crucial step in the healing process—recognizing that what we once thought of as normal behavior is actually harmful. Though accustomed to his blindness, this man didn’t initially seek Jesus’ help; however, after Jesus touched him first time, he confessed his newfound sight. though still confused, he acknowledges the change Jesus did to him.
What Drives You?
The strongest belief that drives you is the one that comes from within
when you seek it for yourself. You’ll never truly seek something unless you’ve experienced a taste of it. Jesus understands this, which is why He wants to give you a taste of life with Him, just as He did with this blind man. He will show you the light so that you desire it, and He will continue working with you until He has healed your heart and your eyes, so you can see clearly.
Healing takes time. Pornography can deeply affect our emotions, making it hard to forget the feelings it creates. It’s difficult to just walk away and pretend nothing happened, especially when our emotions drive us to make the same mistakes again.
Now fully healed, Jesus gives a crucial warning: do not go back to the town, its lack of faith, its hardened heart, and it’s rejection of Him.
Jesus often withdrew to be alone when surrounded by people. To find Him, you must go to the quietest place—the depths of your own heart. Close your eyes and ask Him for guidance and help. Admit that you are blind in both your eyes and your heart. We are all blind.
I once believed a touch could restore my sight, but my illness, I see now, is far more profound, reaching into my very soul. Lord, grant me another touch to enlighten my heart. I adore you, God, yet I struggle to understand how to do what is right. Please help me.
WinThisBattle!
