So here is my deep dark confession: I am a Web MD addict.
Honestly, I wish I was kidding when I said this. Unfortunately, it’s true.
The cycle is always the same: I have a physical issue and run to the internet seeking comfort. I never find it. Instead, I read the worst-case scenarios and become filled with fear. From there, it’s a downward spiral of panic, worry, and fear-driven thinking.
The more I read, the further down the rabbit hole I go until fear has control of my mind and heart.
The Holy Spirit really convicted me of this pattern after a recent incident where reading on the internet caused me to have a panic attack about symptoms I was afraid I’d have that never developed.
Realizing the problem, I took the drastic action of removing google from my devices so I couldn’t give in to temptation. (Let’s pray this helps me overcome.)
The other day I was talking to a friend who said she understood completely.
Only for her, it wasn’t Web MD, but the news that made her panic. Eventually, the Holy Spirit told her she had to limit her news consumption, so it didn’t control her mind.
For another friend, the issue was romance novels—even Christian ones. They were putting too much garbage in her mind, and she had to go cold turkey.
It reminds me of the Scripture that says, "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
And if your right-hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:29-30)
While Jesus obviously didn’t mean self-mutilation, He makes it clear that we need to take personal responsibility and do whatever we can to avoid sin and overcome the enemy's attacks.
1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Have no doubt…the enemy will use anything to destroy our faith, our relationship with Jesus, and our witness. This isn’t just true for new or weak Christians. Even people who wholeheartedly love Jesus and are doing all they can to serve him often fall prey to the enemy’s sneak attacks. Notice: 1 Peter 5 was written to elders in the church. He was talking to leaders that he said, “Be sober and vigilant..the enemy is looking for ways to destroy you”.
When this happens, we have to choose to obey Jesus and do whatever we must to win the battle.
So I don’t have google on my phone.
And Jamie knows to hold me accountable when I start to get afraid.
I’m doing all that I can to stop losing this battle of the mind.
What are you doing?
Is there an area where you need to take extreme action?
What’s your “Web MD”--your personal kryptonite?
Most importantly, are you willing to do whatever it takes to overcome?
Honestly, I don’t mean this to sound judgy. I’m just passing on a lesson I’m learning again.
Satan wants to defeat us.
He will use any means necessary—even Web MD.
He wants to bind us in sin, in fear, in worry, doubt, and defeat.
That’s his plan.
What’s your plan to defeat him?
Are you willing to take drastic steps to overcome?
How can you obey Jesus' words and do all you can to avoid defeat?
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
