By Rhonda Stinson
Natas entered into my life when I least expected. He’d called me on the phone one day. I knew the voice and found it to be comforting. Natas was friends with many other people, especially women. I was never interested in forming a relationship with Natas until that day he befriended me.
I heard a knock at my door. It was the same voice I’d been hearing long distance on the phone. Natas had come to visit. I usually don’t trust anyone enough to let them in, but Natas seemed different. I really needed a friend because I was at such a desperate and lonely point in life. Love and acceptance were the things I was seeking. I figured, what’s the harm in letting him in just this one time? After all, I knew no one else would be knocking at my door anytime soon to reach out and befriend me
Soon, Natas came to visit many times each day. I enjoyed the relationship we were forming. We became so close, in fact, that Natas asked if he could move in with me to which I gladly said yes. He gave me such comfort, confidence, and love.
Natas became very possessive of me. Wow! He loved me so much he wanted me all to himself. I cut off all other relationships, even with God. I knew Natas and I shared a sinful relationship that God definitely would not approve of. Family and friends said this relationship was dangerous and scary, but I had to disagree. I was empty, and Natas was the only one who cared enough to fill my void.
In time, I began to realize that nothing Natas gave me came free. I had to earn it. Each void he filled was temporary. He made me exercise all day long and wouldn’t even let me eat. He made sure food and exercise were constantly on my mind. He always patted me on the back and encouraged me when I was exercising or not eating.
Natas was very faithful to remind me that I needed to lose weight, didn’t measure up, not intelligent enough, too shy, too insecure, not popular enough, etc… Over all, I just wasn’t perfect. Natas assured me that I could attain his standard of perfection if I continued doing things his way.
For many years he pushed me harder and harder until I finally reached the point of physical and emotional collapse. I had been physically and emotionally abused for so long that I couldn’t handle any more. I wanted out of the abusive relationship so badly, yet the fear of leaving was too overwhelming.
I began crying uncontrollably. At that moment, I heard a knock at my door. A still, small voice whispered, “Open up the door my child, I am here to listen”. I flung the door open to behold God with His outstretched arms of love. I felt a sense of peace and hope.
God instructed me to call a woman who’d been friends with Natas for many years. She told me she’d cried tears of betrayal too when she found out Natas was not a friend at all, but was a liar, thief and deceiver. Her tears turned to joy when she broke off her relationship with him. She was finally free. She opened me up to God’s Word and pointed the way to true freedom. I was so ready to begin a journey of hope and life.
I’d lost my hair, teeth, memory, vitality, bladder control, menstrual cycle, brain cells and control of emotions, just to name a few.
It’s been a long and tortuous road, but I’m ready to end this relationship with Natas, to begin a life anew with God, the One who loves me unconditionally, who fashioned me with His own hands and called me His masterpiece. The Healer.
I can’t wait to see what His plan is for my life! He is ready to bless abundantly and welcome me into a land flowing with milk and honey. No, I don’t have to do one single thing to earn this bountiful future. It was offered as a free gift. The gift had always been there, I just had to reach out and accept it.
Will you accept the freedom God offers, or will you turn it away to linger a while longer with Natas? Sure, Natas offers many “gifts” and the final one is death. Natas’ gifts always come beautifully wrapped. They look wonderful on the outside, but are completely dark and empty within. Betrayal comes wrapped beautifully just as Natas does. You see, Natas looks good on the outside, but once opened, he turns into Satan (Natas spelled backward)!
God has an abundant life in store for those who trust and obey. Take the gift of life and never look back!
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ruler of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”. ~Ephesians 6:12
Prayer to God
The dearest idol I have known, I call it old E.D.
Help me banish it from Your throne and worship only Thee.