“But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.” Romans 7:8

“No Ice Cream for YOU, mister!” Those weren’t the exact words on my medical order. But that’s what my brain heard. Preparing for a blood test, I was very clearly told… ‘FASTING is REQUIRED! No food or water 12 hours before they draw blood.’ The Doctor wants to check for any signs of bad things happening to me… like too much cholesterol or sugar. But something bad DID happen!

The desire wasn’t even shifty or sneaky. In fact, it didn’t even wait for the “12 hour before” mark. I started getting this hankering for some salted caramel, fudge and pecan covered ice cream about 18 hours before! And it was RELENTLESS! The craziest part is, I rarely ever eat the stuff anymore. But last night, I just happened to see some in the back of the freezer! Seeing it, made for WAR!

I can’t think of many more powerful words than “DON’T!” Sharp parents and teachers know to avoid that negative word as much as possible. “Don’t look,” or “Don’t touch” are almost guaranteed to produce the desire TO ‘look’ or ‘touch.’ It’s just a natural law that comes along with inherited sinful blood. God wrote the ‘don’t’ commands, and rebellious man ‘DID!’ It’s a bad law!

It was a victorious night. I was able to fight off the urge and not ‘give in’ to the temptation to scarf down a bowl of that rich, gooey evil. But I don’t feel victorious. Because I wanted it so badly just proves Jesus saying that ‘if I lusted after it in my heart, I’m just as guilty as if I had.’ And while there may be no sign of foul play in my test results, I feel a little guilty, as if I’d given in and eaten it all.

Thank God for Jesus and Grace! Because, while the ‘DO NOT’ rules actually make me WANT to… Jesus paid for ALL of my guilt. Even when it simply lies in the form of a rebellious thought. That Jesus can overcome even my craziest desires makes me want to serve Him even more. Are all of YOUR thoughts and deeds removed by the blood of Jesus? Are you rejoicing in His Grace?

I think… after my blood test, I’m going to get some ice cream!!!