2021 Daily Devotion - Day 442

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The news was not what I wanted to hear. My recent PET scan showed the cancer had returned. Several lymph nodes in my pelvis responded positively to the radioactive substance injected into my veins. My doctor gave me two options: first of all, we could wait three months and do another scan to determine if the cancer was growing; secondly, we could begin chemotherapy right away and take no chances. I didn’t have to think twice. “Begin the chemo,” was my response. “I don’t want to let the cancer gain a foothold.”

The same is true with sin. We cannot let sin set a foot into the doors of our lives. Once it has gained a foothold, it takes more and more of our thoughts and actions. Whether our secret sin is pride, jealousy, or anger, the opening it needs is just a foothold before it begins to control us. I once asked a friend in ministry how it was possible to carry on a sinful relationship while he continued to do ministry. He said he was able to keep his sin in a separate part of his mind, but it began to take over more and more. Finally, he could no longer contain it, and it ruined his life. He lost his marriage, his children, and his ministry.

Sin is a cancer that seeks to control every area of our lives. We must guard against such thoughts before they grow into actions.

Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
"Do not let the sun go down while you are angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, guard our thoughts and words that they may be pleasing to You. May we not give sin an opportunity to gain a foot into the doors of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Nancy Reynen
Small Group Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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