For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Romans 6:6 NIV
When He died on the cross, Jesus defeated the power of sinful nature in the life of the believer.
I grew up in a family where domestic violence was commonplace. Every time I made a mistake my father would beat me, sometimes violently. As a married woman, I promised myself that I would not engage in these behaviors. Yet, every time I got angry I had to break something, to release my anger. This was the only way I could find peace of mind. I soon realized that this problem increased the more the years went by.
One day I was in front of my two daughters and I couldn't control my anger, and so, in a fit of rage, I broke a valuable object that was very dear to me. Only at that moment and in front of the astonished look of my daughters did I understand that this behavior was becoming worse and had taken over my life.
I was ashamed of my comportment and full of anguish I cried out to the Lord to free me from the anger that held me prisoner. I cried and asked God to change my childish and violent behavior. I had been converted a few years previously, and I knew God, but I had not asked earnestly enough for divine power to overcome my fits of anger.
The cross became my strength, and from that moment I decided to entrust my life, my body, my thoughts, and my actions to God. Today, 25 years after that episode, I give glory to God and his holy and powerful name. I have never broken anything again. During the most difficult and severe trials I have faced in my life, I have learned to bend my knees, call upon the liberating power of God, and believe in Him to be led to victory. Christ won against every temptation, and because of Him, we can also be victorious.
God has performed a great miracle in me. I want to remember the text of the Apostle Paul who says: " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 NIV).