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Welcome to episode #23! Wrong expectations can set people back in their journey to getting porn-free so it's important to manage expectations well so they can empower us, instead of discouraging us.

Putting Expectations on Others is Damaging

Expecting God or others to be the key to your freedom, instead of taking the onus onto yourself will be damaging in the long-run. Seek help from God and others, but don't expect them to do everything for you. God designed us to co-labour with Him and to be in a community of people. Expecting too much from others may cause you to get jaded. There is wisdom in holding expectations loosely, where you expect there to be challenges, expect growth, expect to learn about yourself, but don't expect God or certain people to help you in specific ways. This way, you'll be grateful when they do.

Expect to Learn About Yourself
Porn masks emotional instability and spiritual weakness. When we engage in porn, it covers ourselves from responding in less than desirable ways when troubles come because we just go to porn instead. When porn is no longer an option, we're faced with having to address our emotions that arise when troubles or stresses come. You might start to experience emotions that have been under the surface, buried by porn use.

Expect Great Things, Too
Along with learning about yourself, you also may experience a freedom in relationships and in your confidence that you haven't known for a long time, if ever. Porn use can make us hide from people, not ever exposing ourselves. When we have nothing to hide and feel more confident, we'll start to smile more and experience joy with others in soul-soothing ways.

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Who do you know that can benefit from this podcast and other episodes coming in the future? Share it with them so they can subscribe as well.

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Next week, Matt and Braden talk to Pastor Vern Tompke, a former senior pastor who struggled with porn for the majority of his ministry before breaking free and moving on to help others live free as well.

Resources
Porneia Webinar Series - 10 Weeks of Webinars for porn users, wives, pastors, accountability partners, and youth.
Pure Freedom Journey - Starts at just $37/month or $297/year
FamilyLife Canada - Resources and events to strengthen your marriage
Covenant Eyes Accountability Software - use promo code RM30 for 30 days free

Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER

Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 12 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

MATT CLINE

Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guy, David, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honored to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.