Funny how there are days that you can be so strong in the Spirit. That there are things that you have dealt with, let go of and left at the foot of the cross. And then out of absolutely nowhere, that thing comes back with such a fleshy craving, it feels like a physical force that is going to crush you!
I have given up smoking and drinking and drugs 1 year and 6 months ago. I am delivered and clean by the grace of God alone. No rehab, no therapy, just clean and off. It's a miracle I KNOW.
Today at work we are having a farewell for a colleague who is going on retirement. I work for an alcohol company and this does not bother me in the least. Drinking, no thanks.
However, today, in this normal insignificant in my life day, I had such an intense craving for a cigarette that it felt it was a physical thing, crushing me from the inside out. I have never felt such a thing in my life before. I made a call to my best friend, brother in Christ and Confidant - my husband Niven Maree. He is so amazing and strong and the best thing that has ever happened to me. By God's grace, I have the best husband in the world.
I called him, but couldn't speak openly to him at the time as there were other people in my office. I sent him a text message to tell him how I was feeling and what I was going through. God has given him wisdom - liberally - he didn't chastise me or lecture me, he just understood and prayed for me. He told me that my God is greater than the flesh craving I was experiencing and that I should pray too. He said to give it over to the Lord.

I did.

The craving went away.

The devil is a liar. He tried to make me feel as though my flesh craving was so great, I couldn't handle it. He was right. I couldn't handle it. But I have awesome support and the Holy Spirit inside me that is my strength and my salvation. Without God I am nothing. I can do nothing. And HE promised me that in my weakness He will be at His strongest. That was proven to me again today.

Thank you God. I love you. I am grateful to you for Niven, my support and my friend and the love of my life.
Thank you Jesus for your gift of the Holy Spirit in me.
I love you. Amen