“Oops, I did it again.” In May of 2000 Britney Spears released a song that went straight to the top of the Billboard Charts. Her catchy tune could be heard on every pop radio station across the nation several times a day. Almost 21 years later I can still hear the popular tune playing in my head just like way back then.
I wish someone would write a Christian version of this song because I still find myself singing the “Oops I did it again” lyrics from time to time.
The struggles we have today are the same types of struggles that humankind has been dealing with since Adam and Eve had their first “Oops” moment.
In the Book of Romans Paul wrote, “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:15, 18b-19).”
I do not know about you, but for me, it is comforting to know that Paul struggled with getting it right just like we do today.
Why do we keep doing the things that we hate?
We have tried to stop on our own so many times, yet we continue to find ourselves at that same ole broken down place we just left.
I wonder how many times the lady caught in adultery said to herself “this is the last time”.
How many times did the thief that hung on the cross next to Jesus say to himself “after this I am not stealing another thing”?
How many times does an alcoholic wake up with a hangover and swears they will never touch another drop of alcohol just to do it again two days later?
We have all been there. It might be overeating or taking those pain pills we conned the doctor out of, maybe its something we know we really should not be watching on TV or maybe it is something we know we should not be repeating. We all have those “Oops, I did it again” moments.
So, how we change our behavior?
We try meditation, therapy, fasting, and any other thing we can think of, yet we keep going around in circles not ever really being changed at all.
Maybe the key to stop the madness is not how much we know but in Who we know.
I would like to speak to someone out there who is like me, you have tried to fix things by yourself. You have tried to take matters into your own hands. You have tried to do better by your own strength. You have tried everything to get free from the struggles that hold you hostage.
In 1 John 4:4, NIV tells us ,”You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
You have overcome because Who is in you, not because of what you know or how hard you have tried to do better, but the reason (the cause) for us to overcome is because of Jesus Christ. Jesus has already overcome every obstacle we could imagine, since He is in you, child of God, you have overcome. Now, that is what I call good news!
Galatians 5:1 goes on to tell us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
We can refuse to be entangled again into bondage. Jesus gave us the power to do that! How cool is this?
Because of what Jesus overcame we can say, “Nope, I’m not doing it again” and exercise our authority in Him to not do it again.
My hope is that you will be as pumped about learning this as I have been. We do not have to stay stuck any longer. We can shake some of those chains off ourselves today!
Go, be free, child of God!
Pamela Fair
Maya Angelou once said, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." This statement resonates with me. My past experiences have made me a stronger person eager to use my story to inspire and help others see that regardless of who they are or where they have been, there is always hope and to know the ability to rise above circumstances lies within.
Each day, I strive to walk in faith and hope surrounded by my family and friends' love and encouragement. I am blessed to have a life full of experiences, some good, some bad, and my ambition is to use those experiences to enrich those around me. I am a local business owner and church Executive Assistant in Highland, Arkansas. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and student.
My passion is to help those in need who are ready and willing to do the necessary work it takes to help themselves. Assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, stress, grief, and various life changes are the drive behind attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to obtain my associate degree in Human Services. I plan to further my education in this field by getting my bachelor's degree in behavioral health. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge to encourage, strengthen, and facilitate assistance to those who are in need.
I am also working alongside my husband in the community as an Automotive Collision Repair Facility owner. It has been a great privilege to assist my husband in pursuing his lifelong dream. We enjoy our work together, and it is an exciting experience for me to learn his field of expertise and engage with so many phenomenal people in our area.
I am a fun-loving individual who thrives on living life and pursuing dreams! I am an avid chess player, a lover of all things feline, and a big fan of essential oils! At the age of 50, I decided to return to school to earn my GED. Since then, I have become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a Notary Public. I have completed credentials for ministry, became a certified grant writer, trained in hospital chaplaincy, and certified in Christ-Centered leadership. Additionally, I am a member of the North American Christian Social Workers Association (NACSW), where I have been trained in "The Role of Christian Faith and Spirituality in the Grieving Process" and "Suicide Prevention for Christians in Social Work." I am an active member of the Spring River Chamber of Commerce and the Spring River Car Club.
My faith is a huge part of my desire and passion for helping others. I strive to always be, as Christ, a light in this world and in the lives of others. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." I endeavor to help others see the light in the darkness.
About Beautiful Feet:
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
"For every circumstance and season of life, God has promises that offer direction, peace, perspective and wisdom. "Bible Promises for You" is a collection of promises taken from the New International Version of the Bible and is categorized by topic for easy reference."
God led Jimmy and Pam Fair, in 2015, to partner with Highland Assembly of God, to GIVE Bible Promise Books, Devotionals, and Bibles to anyone who needs direction, peace, perspective, and wisdom.
Contact Highland Assembly or Pam Fair for more information.
870-856-3886
