Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into
fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome
my unbelief!" - Mark 9:21-24
For addiction to thrive, it needs you to feel bad about yourself, and for you to be isolated and alone.
Selah (which means 'pause, and think about that').
While I can understand your feeling bad about yourself because of your addiction, (please) stop it. Remember you are a child of almighty God, Who has never and WILL never stop loving you, any more than you who are parents would stop loving your children of any age.
I remember preferring to be alone so I could drink as much as I wanted without judgement. I get it.
But the more you feed the beast, the bigger it becomes.
Selah.
It’s a horrible vicious circle that God will help you break when you - first of all, BELIEVE (He will do so).
If you’re having trouble believing God will help you, I remember feeling the same doubts. That is, until I was reminded by the story found in Mark’s gospel about the father experiencing doubts that Jesus would heal his son.
Second, pray for His wisdom, which He will give freely and in abundance and without reproach (James 1:5).
The steps He laid out for me to take may be and probably will be different than those He has for you, and that's OK. What works for you is what matters, and only by tuning into the Holy Spirit inside you, will you able to know what this is going to look like.
I’m living proof that believing and obeying God heals us everywhere we hurt. Follow His leading, and don't forget to believe.
What I'm Reading: Self-Compassion - The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff, PhD
What I'm Studying: Joy of Living's Revelation Part 1: Chapters 1-8 Bible study
In the News:
SUGGESTIONS FOR LISTENING
For those who've never heard of this young man, I suggest you go on YouTube and search for a video about his life story.
I had the privilege of being on the Untapped Keg podcast to discuss Spirit-Led Sobriety! Here's the interview, if you're interested:
As a reminder, I am not a licensed, certified or professionally trained healthcare professional or addiction specialist of any type. If you're concerned about your level of alcohol use, please be honest with your doctor, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
All I am is a Christian who has been forgiven, redeemed, healed, restored and guided by God out of alcohol prison. My path to wellness (a/k/a "sobriety") was different than most others - and that's OK. I asked God to help me and did what He said. Period. I'm here to encourage, uplift and help you in whatever ways I can, because I care.
Having said that, if you have any questions or have a topic you'd like me to cover in the future, please fill out the contact form and I'll be so happy to do my best for you. No question is too stupid - I've asked them all. LOL
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