God’s Protection

During my time in flight school, I met a girl, and we began dating. After a few months, I found myself on the brink of breaking the commitment I made to the Lord. Thankfully, at the last minute, He intervened and kept me from crossing that line. Shortly after, a thought, which I believe came from the Lord, entered my mind: “Do you not remember the covenant we made back in the Colorado mountains?”

Conviction hit me, but with it came immense gratitude. Praise be to the Lord—He was faithful even when I failed! I immediately recommitted to purity, and that relationship soon ended.

Only three months later, I met another young lady, and we began dating. Months later, I received my assignment to Germany. Against the advice of my military colleagues, we married at a young age and began our lives together. (Giving praise to the Lord, that was nearly 20 years ago! God’s design of biblical marriage is truly the best.) Over the years, the Lord blessed us with some of the best duty assignments the Army has to offer, including an extended assignment in Colorado Springs, allowing my children to spend many years near their multiple relatives.

Throughout these years, I remained physically committed to my wife, but struggles with my eyes lingered. I knew it was wrong, but countless times I accepted my excuses and continued. Often, I would pray and manage to go a few months without issue. Inevitably, I would return to temptation, be it during combat deployments or various other times. Sin is never complacent; it wrestles with its contender, attempting to drag the soul deeper into darkness. Though I never crossed my marriage vows, the pulls of lust brought me closer than I deemed acceptable. My intent is not to judge anyone, including myself, but to highlight that those within and involved in the church are not immune to the struggles of spiritual warfare.

These struggles persisted, but 2020 would soon change my life.