Freedom Starts TodaySample

### No Pain from Shame There was a woman who was used by men for sex. And truth be told, she was likely using men for their provision and affection. She met a man over a drink one afternoon, and her life would never be the same. She was gathering water and a man asked her for a drink. That man, unbeknownst to her, was Jesus. She was surprised He would ask a woman like her for a drink, but He in turn offered her living water so that she would never thirst again. In John 4, she asked for the water He offered, and first He said, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” She said, “I have no husband.” He replied, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband” (John 4:16–18). In His revealing He knew her entire history of broken, sinful relationships, she realized she was not talking to a mere mortal. But Jesus didn’t say this to shame her; He acknowledged her sin so that she could be free. For truly, no one knows they need a savior apart from knowing they have sinned. Jesus invited her into a life of forgiveness and healing. Maybe that’s your situation right now. You’ve reading these words in private because you’ve had multiple lovers, but the truth is, your lovers have you. Lovers of porn, pills, gambling highs, disordered eating, relationship addiction, or whatever you’re attached to. Jesus is extending you living water, that you might never thirst for the poisonous affections of this world again. He doesn’t want you to reach for what was never intended to fill—only His living water quenches your deepest thirst. You need not be ashamed of your struggles. Jesus not only knows them fully, but He loves you fully and longs to set you free. Shame is a tool of Satan to keep you in hiding. God has come to you in the midst of your struggle to free you. Write a prayer giving God every bit of the shame of your past and present. Remember, in Christ, no one can bring a charge or condemnation against you. In a position of humility, pray and ask God to keep you from your struggle for the next 24 hours. Text or call a brother or sister in Christ to let them know if you’ve stayed free from your struggle for the past 24 hours.