by David Fountain
 We often use the term “struggler” when identifying someone who “struggles” with homosexuality. We often hear people around us refer to this term and have even been guilty of using it ourselves, but does that clearly describe who we are and what we are actually doing? Gaining clarity on this was a major personal breakthrough for me. I want to share, I believe, will be encouragement for others who would like to stop struggling and start fighting.
Although it was over 10 years ago, I remember just like it was yesterday the conflict going on inside me between my convictions of what I knew was right and what seem to be an ever-increasing struggle with same sex attractions. I also remember God finally answering me one night after many nights of praying for God to free me of this struggle. I heard Him gently say to me, “David, I’ve already given you the freedom, you just have to choose to walk in it.” Slowly throughout the next couple of years, He began revealing to me the meaning behind those words and continues to do so even today.
God provided a way out of the bondage of sin in our lives through the sacrificial gift of His Son Jesus. This wasn’t just a gift of Salvation when I accepted Christ as my Savior, it was the gift of freedom that I was begging Him for night after night. He was reminding me that the victory over my struggle with sin had already been accomplished through His Son’s death and resurrection. Sin no longer has the power to tell us what to do unless we allow it to. My love for God, my appreciation for this gift of freedom through Christ, and my desire to live a life of freedom from sin, compels me to fight.
Yes, we may still find ourselves weak and tempted at times to give in and give up. Let’s not forget that we are in the middle of a battlefield. We may fall down, but we never fall back. There is no requirement to start the whole process over again. As a warrior, you’re in training and will be tested. Recognize these as opportunities to measure how far you have already grown in the Lord and thank Him for the areas of your life He has already helped you find get victory in. If you’re wounded or slightly lost, return to base and recover new strength in the One who already won this war and holds the battle plans. Satan and your flesh will fight you every step of the way. However, keep pressing through, not allowing your feelings or emotions to dictate who you are or what you do.
While serving as a soldier on this battlefield, stay alert and be aware that the enemy will charge at you with lies that you are a “struggler” and that is what you will always be. God has given you an indispensable weapon, His Word, to defeat those lies with the truth. It’s your armor, your shield, you sword! If you want to be a warrior, you must devote yourself to the daily discipline of spending time in God’s Word. I allowed myself to believe for years that this was optional, but then I began to realize that this had to be a priority in my life if I was going to really get serious about discovering and embracing the true freedom and fullness of life He promises us in His Word. (Matthew 6:33)
You too can choose to be a warrior and fight the battle of and for your life. You’re not alone in this war! Recently, I asked several of my fellow warriors to answer this one question, “Why do you choose to fight?” Here are some their responses:
“The reason I keep fighting this and not give in to it is because I have faith that as long as I keep fighting this WITH God, He will help me overcome it.” – Tim “For me all the answers to your questions can be summed up into one word, Christ. To the unsaved I seem foolish, but I keep faith that ‘the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of humans’ (1st Corinthians 1:25). I almost gave up recently because my attractions were not diminishing. People who are simply looking to ‘turn straight’ are most likely going to give up because God does not always answer in the way we want Him to. You have to want to serve God even if He doesn't take away your suffering. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must be willing to not bow to the statue even if God does not save us from the furnace (Daniel 3:18). We have to be willing to burn for God.” – Josh
“Fighting this fight is worth it to me because I would have no hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ or eternal life without it. It is worth it because without fighting I cannot live with a clear conscience, without anything within me questioning whether or not I’m doing the right thing. It is only by fighting the fight that I have learned to feel loved by God. I had to realize that I am in need of grace. I tried Gay Liberation Theology, but it proved to be a rationalization that diminished my need for grace. I have realized that it is through my heart’s need for grace that it realized God’s love for me, which began, in turn, to satisfy the needs for intimacy that He created within me.” – Wayne
“Things have definitely gotten easier. But it got worse before it got better. It took 9 years and the end was the worst. In war the battle reaches peak intensity before the greatest victory. I can't tell you how glad I am that I persevered and punched through to the other side. I never dreamed I could be this free. I don't desire a homosexual lover today; I wouldn't go back even if God were to sanction it (which He wouldn't). It feels foreign, demonic, and sickening. Christ Jesus really does pluck up and uproot the evil desire that James talks about (why we are carried away and enticed).” – Melanie
I hope that you find these responses from others both encouraging and challenging, as you realize that you don’t have to “struggle” with homosexuality; you can choose to fight. And the greater purpose for engaging this battle extends way beyond this one issue. The truth is, if we apply what God reveals to us and the lessons learned in the midst of the battle, we can experience freedom in every area of life. Press on Warriors!
Practical Steps to Turning from “Struggler” to “Warrior”:
1) Utilize your access to God, our Commander, through Christ by daily devotion to Him in prayer, word, and worship.
2) Press beyond your comfort level and establish healthy relationships in the Church body God has called you to.
3) Find a godly same-sex life coach/mentor
4) Read, listen to, and watch resources available to you that will help you continue growing in the Lord
5) Remember to pray for your brothers and sisters around the world who are also engaged in this same battle.
6) Remain open to bringing encouragement to “strugglers” and pass this on
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