Part 4: Purity is Possible!

Regardless of your sexual history, regardless of the strength of your sex drive, regardless of the length of your singleness, purity IS possible.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Cor 1:26-31

I boast in Christ who made me pure. I’m boasting in the crazy power of God to turn a broken captive, ensnared to serving the idols she had worshipped, into a freed, whole, restored daughter who knows her worth and worships only One. And I boast because if He did it for me, he can do it for anyone.

Purity is SO MUCH MORE than mastering your sexual drive. It is discovering that everything you need in those deepest, most intimate places in your heart, can be found in HIM ALONE.

  • I learned to stand in the midst of temptation. I learned to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). 
  • I learned to stand firm. The ‘muscle’ to enable me to stand firm came through each time I refused to compromise in the face of temptation. 
  • I learned to stand alone in His love. 
  • I learned to stand on the Word of God. 
  • I learned to stand on God as a firm foundation and a place to run to in times of trouble.
  • I learned to stand on what God says about my future.

And what I learned was far more than sexual purity. I learned how to live. I learned how to live as someone who is Loved. I learned how to weather through storms of trials and temptations, because I found the Rock on whom to anchor my life and my heart.

Not on my own strength, but I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.”
Psalm 56:13

In several portions in this section, you will see a collection of verses focused on themes of running to God and waiting on God, and standing on His promises. If you find yourself in a difficult season of needing to trust God, would you pray these verses to God, thank Him for what He shows you about His character through these verses, and express your desires to Him?
Today’s theme: Standing

Read these verses aloud, and after reading, pray out the verses to God. Thank Him, express your amazement, express your desires.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:7, 8b

The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip. Psalm 37:23, 24, 31

It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.
You are my King and my God,
who decrees victories for Jacob.
Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.
I put no trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever. Psalm 44:3-8

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26

“And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Romans 14:4b

“Stand firm. Let nothing move you. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:57-58

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” 2 Cor 1:21

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 2 Thes 2:15a

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10