From Chains to Grace: My Journey Through Lust, Struggle, and Redemption

My name is Innocent. I was born in 2003 and I’m from the northern part of Nigeria.

Let me spare you the details of my family background.

I can’t remember exactly how old I was when the devil began trying to destroy my life through lust. I recall moments when girls older than me would expose themselves or touch me inappropriately. I didn’t fully understand what was happening then, but those memories stuck with me.

Later, I found myself becoming sexually active at a young age. I remember playing hide-and-seek with some friends, and in one instance, I tried to undress a girl I was related to. A friend caught us. I was afraid and pretended nothing happened, but guilt haunted me every day.

From then on, I struggled with lust. I was drawn to sexy pictures, even though I didn’t have access to a phone at the time. Fast forward to August 2015, I heard a message in church that convicted me of my sin. When I got home, I told my mom everything. That was my first real salvation experience. The joy I felt was indescribable.

I became a child of God, but the battle with lust didn’t end. I moved to a new location and started sleeping in the same room as an older girl. At night, I would wake up and see her sleeping in ways that stirred lustful thoughts. Over time, I began viewing pornographic content, and that’s when the real struggle began.

After each session of watching porn, I would masturbate and then feel ashamed. I even had dreams where I saw myself having sex. That marked the beginning of my deliverance journey.

I fasted, prayed, and cried out to God. I prayed what I called “dangerous prayers,” hoping they would scare me into quitting. I had moments of victory and believed I was free, only to fall again.

Condemnation took over. Satan whispered lies like:

“You’re the worst sinner.”

“God hates you.”

“You’ve used up all your mercy.”

“Your name is on God’s blacklist.”

In 2022, I met a friend who was once addicted too. Hearing his story gave me hope that I could be delivered as well. It wasn’t easy—there were ups and downs—but by the end of 2023, I had had enough. That’s when God stepped in.

I became sick (a story for another time) and haven’t fully recovered yet, but I’m much better now. The sickness brought me closer to God. I quit social media and TV. I stayed in the Word and prayed from my sick bed. I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched pornography. It feels like God did the impossible—He took away the condemnation and called me His own.

God is still working on me. Here are some words He spoke to me:

“The fact that you’re alive is proof that I’m not done with you.”

“There’s nothing you can do to make Me love you more or less – I already gave My best for you.”

By default, sin is something we all share. But Jesus came to set us free. No matter your past—whether you’re a prostitute, a drunkard, or worse – He will not turn you away if you come to Him.

The testimonies I’ve heard have deeply impacted my life. I’ll share more about my physical and emotional healing another time.

God bless every testimony share.