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Trapped in a Chat World... Is There a Way Out???? I was born in East Texas in 1970 and brought up in church. I asked Jesus into my heart at age 11. After marrying and starting a family, my heart grew cold towards God. I'd backslid into a habit that took hold of me. I became a chat addict. Chatting became my god. I couldn’t live a day without logging on and finding “friends.” I used chat to escape from everything, including my parental and household duties. The addiction lasted almost 4 years. I’d gotten so into it, I was meeting men in person, or atleast talking to them on the phone. I hated what I’d become but I just couldn’t quit. There were times while chatting that God would grip my heart. It’s like He was sternly saying “Melissa, play time is over.” And at the same time He was reaching out in His love and mercy, beckoning me to come to Him. But I wasn’t ready. I remember wondering how certain people could be so faithful to the House of God. I couldn’t even get up early enough for it. And when I DID get a chance to go, the only reason was to catch up on paying my tithes. But, God used those times to knock on the door of my heart. The sermons were always for me. I wanted to be free from the bondage I was in, but I kept listening to the voices in my head. “You’ll only mess up again, so why even bother!” I was thinking that God loved me less every time I failed. I’m so glad I was wrong. God’s mercy endures forever. Sin separates us from God, but it’s good to know that NOTHING separates us from His love. Eventually, my realizing His love for me, gave me the boldness to go to Him. (Ps. 106:1; Lam. 3:22,23; Isa. 59:1,2; Rom. 8:38,39) One evening I hit rock bottom...I ran to my bedroom and cried out to God......”Lord, I know you can hear me. Forgive me for what I just done... I hate the way I’m living, I don’t have a desire to even love you, but please put that desire in my heart. I know time is short, I want you to change my life and change me. “ And you know what? God heard that prayer.... That day, I quit meeting people. Things BEGAN to change, although I was still chatting. A few months after that in January 2000, my husband found about 60 pictures of men sent to me through the Internet. He made a collage-picture, including most of the ones he found, and put it on the computer desktop along with a scripture about adultery. When I saw it my heart filled with anger, hurt, then guilt(Num. 32:23). Then I wrote my husband an email thanking him, and then I just turned off the computer. God brought me to my knees in repentance and surrender. I didn’t know it till a week later when my husband told me, but on that very day he had called someone to get advice on whether to divorce me or not. The pastor was at their house, so they all prayed for me. God was answering prayer right then!! That’s so amazing! I want to say I’m totally free from chat addiction! No desire to meet anyone nor to waste my time flirting in the chatrooms. It feels so good to know that I have nothing to hide from my husband, I don’t have to lie. God is restoring my relationship with him and has given me a love that I didn’t really have for my children before. (2 Cor. 5:17) I’m so thankful for God’s unconditional love and mercy. He’s shown me that He desires to have a personal relationship with his creation, that includes ME! That also includes YOU!!! (1 Cor. 1:9) God loves you so very much. (John 3:16,17; John 10:10) The only way to God is through His son, Jesus Christ. (John 14:6,7) He’s paid the price for your sin. (Heb. 2:17) Accept it. Come to Him as you are and ask for forgiveness. (Rom. 10:9) Ask Him to change you and He will. If you are ready to turn your life over to Him, He’s more than ready to receive you. Here’s a sample prayer if you need help on what to say, but mean it from your heart: Heavenly Father, Forgive me. I know that I’m a sinner. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that You raised Him from the dead. I now turn my back on my sins and I turn to you. Please come into my life to be my Lord and Saviour. Baptize me with your Holy Spirit and fire, so I can be a witness for you. Teach me how to live for you and give me hunger for your word. I thank you for my salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. What to do now? Get to know Jesus personally by spending time with Him in prayer and studying the Bible. (Psalms 1:1,2; 1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 18:1) Attend church where the Bible is preached and Jesus is glorified and worshipped. (Heb. 10:38) Be a witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8; Acts 5:42) The closer you get to God, He’ll lead you in what He wants you to do. (Ps. 25:5) (Matt. 5:6) God is so Good!!!!!!! (Ps. 34:8) Click HERE to return to the edited story Click HERE to create a banner that links to this story! Your e-mail address will be kept private!
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