“In the depths of my darkest valley, I discovered a purpose that reignited my soul.”
Want to know how to overcome sin in your own life? Watch the video above:
The Universal Struggle with Sin & How to Overcome Sin
If you are a Christian and you are human you've found yourself wrestling with sin, wondering how to break free, and you're not alone. You are of the people who care for the kingdom, want to be used for God's glory, and want to be overcomers, and there is a question that echoes in the hearts of those serious about their faith: "How do I overcome sin?" or more precisely
how can I stop falling to lust?
how do I get over my desire to hurt those who hurt me?
how do I start living in integrity?
how can I stop being so angry and hurtful to those I love?
I remember when I was 15, living in the tension of adolescence and ministry. Preaching at such a young age was dope, but it also highlighted a difficulty within me. I loved God deeply, yet I grappled with struggles that seemed insurmountable. It felt like there was a disconnect between who I was and who I wanted to be in Christ.
On one end I was deeply committed to serving, already leading a small group for almost 5 years, starting to preach, and getting involved in youth ministry. I loved to serve God and I also struggled with lust. I wanted to live out my purpose for God's glory, but I struggled with anger. I wanted to be close to God, but I was lazy and more dedicated to my hobbies.
There was a clear disconnect between what I wanted in my spirit and what I actually pursued in my life.
What is the difference between a struggle and a hypocrite?
Embracing the Struggle
First things first—let's clear the air. There's a monumental difference between struggling with sin and living in hypocrisy. The very fact that you're wrestling signifies a sincere desire to align with God's will.
The Danger of Self-Judgment for Christians
Too often, we beat ourselves up, labeling our struggles as failures. But remember, God's grace is extended to those who earnestly seek Him, even when we stumble.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses... Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
I remember a time when I sinned against God. A close friend of mine and I were talking and he could see how the guilt and shame was destroying me. He looked at me and said, "You keep thinking that you're a hypocrite. But I want you to know that as your friend I can see that you are struggling. Do you need to get it under control? Yes. But you are also not a hypocrite that does not care about walking in holiness and living for God."
And that was the beginning of a different perspective for me.
Much of the Christian walk is us understanding that it is much less about us and much more about Jesus and what He can do. Instead of allowing shame to keep me away from God. I needed to run to Him and instead of trying harder, I needed a better solution.
The Ineffectiveness of Trying Harder
The Trap of Self-Effort
I spent years trying to "fix" myself. I read books, watched sermons, and watched countless videos on overcoming sin. But here's the hard truth: Sheer willpower isn't enough.
The Flesh vs. The Spirit
Our flesh tells us to try harder, to find a quick fix. But Romans 8:13 reminds us, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." Relying solely on ourselves leads to frustration and defeat.
Intimacy with Jesus: The Only Path to Freedom
Understanding True Intimacy
So, what's the game-changer? Intimacy with Jesus.
Not a surface-level relationship, but a deep, personal relationship with Him.
I hit rock bottom in 2016, battling depression that nearly cost me my marriage in its first year. Imagine the weight of that—newlyweds supposed to be in the honeymoon phase, yet I was engulfed in darkness. My depression stemmed from feeling like I'd failed in ministry, losing a small group I'd led for over 15 years. But it was in this valley that I encountered Jesus like never before.
Jesus met me in my valley. It took me hitting rock bottom for me to realize just how much I actually needed Him. And when I finally was pushed to my breaking point, my breaking point pushed me to Him, and then I finally experienced true freedom.
"My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." Psalm 51:17 (NIV)
Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God
Spending Quality Time in Prayer and Worship
Freedom began when I started dedicating intentional time to God. Waking up early, giving Him the first fruits of my day, and immersing myself in prayer and worship transformed me from the inside out.
Engaging with Scripture
The Bible became more than a book—it was a lifeline. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active."Engaging with Scripture renewed my mind and fortified my spirit.
Fellowship and Community
We aren't meant to walk this journey alone. Connecting with other believers reignited my passion. Leading a small group for all those years had its highs and lows, but the authentic connections and witnessing lives transformed were priceless and now entering into a new church where I could heal was exactly the foundation I needed to move forward.
Breaking Free from the Flesh
Dying to Self
Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Overcoming sin requires us to die to our own desires and embrace His.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
It's the Holy Spirit who empowers us. When we surrender, He works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).
True Love Requires Time
The Importance of Quality Time
Think about a marriage. If spouses stop communicating, neglect date nights, and become distant, the relationship suffers. Love requires time and intentionality.
Our relationship with God is no different. How can we grow closer if we don't spend time with Him? Just as a marriage thrives on shared moments, heartfelt conversations, and intentional acts of love, so does our connection with God deepen when we prioritize Him in our daily lives.
I recall seasons in my life where the busyness of work, responsibilities, and even ministry overshadowed my time with God. It was like being married but never taking the time to truly be with my spouse. The result? A growing distance and a sense of emptiness. You can't be close to someone you don't spend time with.
When my wife and I don't set aside time for each other, we start to feel disconnected. Little misunderstandings become big issues because the foundation of our relationship—communication and shared experience—is weakened. The same happens with God. If we neglect prayer, avoid immersing ourselves in His Word, and skip moments of worship, our spiritual life begins to feel hollow.
Love isn't just a feeling; it's a commitment to action. In marriage, that means planning date nights, having deep conversations, and being present with one another. With God, it means intentionally setting aside time to pray, to read Scripture, and to simply sit in His presence. It might mean waking up a bit earlier to start your day with Him or turning off distractions to focus on worship.
During my struggle with depression, I learned this the hard way. I was desperately trying to overcome my feelings of despair and the sins that seemed to entangle me. I tried everything—except truly dedicating time to be with God. It wasn't until I intentionally pursued intimacy with Jesus that I began to see change. Not because my circumstances immediately improved, but because my perspective shifted as I grew closer to Him.
Our intimacy with God is the key to overcoming the struggles we face. Just as a marriage cannot thrive without effort, our spiritual lives cannot flourish if we neglect our relationship with Him. The more time we spend with God, the more we become like Him. Our desires begin to align with His, and the sins that once held us captive start to lose their grip.
So, ask yourself: Are you giving God the time and intentionality that a loving relationship requires? Are you seeking Him daily, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to know Him more? Remember, God isn't interested in a checklist; He's interested in your heart.
Make the intentional choice to invest in your relationship with God. Let's communicate with Him through prayer, engage with His Word, and spend quality time in His presence. Because love—true love—requires nothing less.
Your Journey to Transformation
Embracing God's Purpose Despite Setbacks
Coming back to ministry after my depression wasn't easy. I felt foggy, inadequate, and unsure. Yet, these past five years have been the most transformative of my life. It's not about having my view of success; it's about the internal change God has brought about in me.
The confidence I once had seemed distant, and every step forward felt like walking through a haze. There were moments when I questioned if I could ever effectively serve again, wondering if my struggles had disqualified me. But this new seasons taught me that my old confidence wasn't even that great. That confidence needed to be destroyed, because it was based on my ability, which wasn't taking me very far anyway. God replaced all of that with a confidence in Him. A confidence which gives me the strength to be an overcomer. A confidence that He can give to you too.
These past five years have been the most transformative of my life. God didn't just restore what was lost; He built something entirely new within me. It's not about having my view of success—like leading a large church or achieving outward milestones—but about the internal change God has brought about in me. He shifted my focus from external achievements to cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Him.
Through this journey, I've learned that true transformation starts from within. It's about allowing God to work in our hearts, reshaping our desires, and aligning us with His purpose. The impact isn't measured by numbers or accolades but by the authenticity of our walk with Him. It isn't measured by how many days you stay away from that sin that has "got" you, but how quickly you run back to His feet. And in embracing this, I've found a fulfillment and peace that surpasses any definition of success I previously held.
Finding Jesus in the Valley
If you're struggling, know this: Intimacy with Jesus is the key. It's not about perfection but connection. He meets us in our valleys and guides us to the mountaintops.
Overcoming sin isn't a DIY project. It's a journey walked hand-in-hand with Jesus. When we draw near to Him, He empowers us to break the chains that bind us.
Call to Action
I challenge you to take a step today:
Set aside dedicated time for God—even if it starts with just 15 minutes.
Dive into Scripture, letting His Word speak to your heart.
Engage with a community of believers who can support and encourage you.
Hope and Encouragement
Remember, you're not alone, and freedom is possible. God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
I hope this message resonated with you. If it did, consider sharing it with someone who might need it.
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Until next time, keep seeking, keep growing, and remember—intimacy with Jesus changes everything.
Peace and blessings,
Eric Muñoz Jr.
Valley of the Heroic
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