The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Kill the Sleeping Giant

Real healing starts by facing the truth of your struggle head-on. Like Paul, we often find ourselves caught in cycles of behavior we despise but feel powerless to break. Ignoring the problem or believing that time alone will heal it only gives room for a sleeping giant—a giant that will reawaken with even more strength at the next trigger or moment of weakness. For years, I convinced myself that by avoiding the root issues and trying to be on “good behavior,” I could handle my struggles on my own. But the reality was, those buried issues and unaddressed pain were festering, waiting to surface again and pull me back into the very patterns I wanted to escape.

This “dog house” phase—when we try to be on our best behavior to avoid conflict with our wives—is not true freedom. True healing requires the courage to dig deep, confront the roots of our struggles, and break free once and for all. Avoidance is a short-lived peace that allows the problem to remain dormant, waiting for the next trigger. Ask yourself: What have you been ignoring, convinced that if you just don’t think about it, it will go away? What unresolved pain or temptation have you left unaddressed, lying in wait like a prowling lion?

It’s time to kill the sleeping giant. Healing demands courage, humility, and honesty. You must confront the root issues—whether they stem from past trauma, rejection, insecurity, or the unhealthy habits that fuel your struggle with lust or infidelity. Real freedom comes not from sidestepping the problem but from facing it directly. God’s power shines brightest in our weakest moments, and He invites us to lean into His strength as we bring these giants into the light and slay them once and for all.

Challenge

Take a moment to write down areas in your life that you've been ignoring or avoiding. What unresolved issues or temptations have you buried, hoping they would just fade away? Write them down, and then ask God for the courage and strength to confront them. Pray specifically for freedom and a new mindset that seeks true healing rather than temporary avoidance.

Prayer

Lord, I come to You, ready to confront the struggles I’ve hidden for too long. Give me the courage to face what’s difficult, the wisdom to understand the roots, and the strength to move forward in truth. Remind me daily that You’re with me, guiding me, and lifting me up. Help me find true freedom in You, knowing You are my strength and my shield. In Jesus' name, Amen.