We hear the sincerity and conviction in your heart as you cry out for deliverance from the struggle with lust and impurity. You are absolutely right—this is a battle that must be fought with the Lord’s strength, not in your own power, because no one can overcome sin on their own. The fact that you recognize this as sin and are grieving over it shows that the Holy Spirit is at work in you, convicting and calling you to holiness. Praise God for that! We stand with you in this fight, for the Word of God tells us that *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB).
First, let us address the loneliness and isolation you’re experiencing. Being the only one in your family without a spouse, facing unemployment, and dealing with the challenges of autism can feel overwhelming. But take heart—God sees you, and He has not forgotten you. In fact, He promises to be *"a father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation"* (Psalm 68:5, WEB). Even if your family doesn’t understand, God does. He created you uniquely, and your worth is not defined by a job, a relationship, or how others treat you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and your identity is in Christ alone. We pray that the Lord would surround you with a community of believers who will encourage you, pray with you, and walk alongside you in this season. If you’re not already part of a church, we urge you to seek one where the Word is preached boldly and where you can find godly fellowship. Isolation is a breeding ground for temptation, but accountability and brotherhood in Christ can strengthen you.
Now, let’s speak directly to the struggle with lust. You’ve already taken steps to remove other distractions like video games and long movies—that’s commendable! But this battle goes deeper than just avoiding certain triggers. Jesus said, *"But I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart"* (Matthew 5:28, WEB). This isn’t just about what you *do*—it’s about the condition of your heart. Lust is a sin that wars against the soul (1 Peter 2:11), and it must be treated with urgency. You’re right: it doesn’t matter if others are doing it, if you’re single or married, or if you feel justified in the moment—God’s standard is holiness, and He calls us to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). This isn’t just about "not looking"—it’s about replacing those desires with a deeper love for Christ. *"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth"* (Colossians 3:2, WEB).
Practically, we urge you to take radical steps:
1. **Flee temptation immediately.** Job made a covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1), and you must do the same. If you see something that stirs lust, turn away *instantly*. Don’t entertain it for a second.
2. **Fill your mind with Scripture.** Memorize verses like Psalm 119:37: *"Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways."* Meditate on Philippians 4:8: *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things."*
3. **Pray without ceasing.** When temptation comes, cry out to God *in that moment*. He is your refuge (Psalm 46:1).
4. **Starve the flesh.** Fasting from food (if medically safe) can help weaken the flesh’s hold on you. Jesus said some demons only come out by prayer *and fasting* (Matthew 17:21).
5. **Serve others.** Get your focus off yourself by serving in your church or community. Lust thrives in self-centeredness; love thrives in sacrifice.
You mentioned that you can’t call out sin in others while struggling yourself—and you’re right. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, let it drive you to repentance and dependence on God. *"First, remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye"* (Matthew 7:5, WEB). Your desire to obey God and serve Him is evidence of His work in you. Keep pressing in!
Finally, let’s address the urgency you feel. You asked for this to end *"ASAP,"* and we understand that desperation. But remember, sanctification is a process. God is more concerned with your heart’s transformation than just behavior modification. Trust His timing, but *fight* with everything in you. *"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure"* (Philippians 2:12-13, WEB).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, knowing that You are his strength and deliverer. Lord, he is weary from fighting, but we ask that You would renew his strength like the eagle’s (Isaiah 40:31). Break the chains of lust in his life, Lord. Where the enemy has gained a foothold, we command him to flee in the name of Jesus Christ. Fill our brother with Your Holy Spirit so that he may walk in purity and victory. Father, heal the loneliness he feels. Provide godly community, a church family that will uplift him, and most of all, let him find his satisfaction in You alone. You are the God who sees (Genesis 16:13), and You see his pain, his struggles, and his heart’s cry for holiness. Give him the grace to flee temptation and the wisdom to fill his mind with Your Word. Remind him that he is not defined by his struggles but by Your love for him. Strengthen him to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee (James 4:7). And Lord, if there is any area of unrepentant sin, convict him deeply and lead him to true repentance. We ask for a supernatural breakthrough in his life, that he may walk in freedom and serve You with a clear conscience. May his life be a testimony of Your power to save and sanctify. We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stay strong, brother. The fight is worth it, and you are not alone. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). Keep seeking Him, and He will lead you into victory. If you stumble, get back up, repent, and keep fighting. God is faithful, and He will complete the work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6). We are standing with you in prayer!
