Savage About Sobriety February 23, 2023

Temptation. We all battle with temptations everyday of our lives. Whether it's the temptation to eat when you're on a diet, wandering eyes in your relationship, or the urge to use drugs and alcohol. We ALL deal with temptations. No one is exempt from them. The problem for recovering addicts, though, is that the next time we give into one of our temptations could be our last.

As some of you already know, I overdosed on March 31st of last year on a shot of meth and fentenyl. It is only by the grace and mercy of God that I am here today! I didn't plan to overdose or set out to have a near death experience and there lies the problem with giving into our temptations as recovering addicts. You don't always get to choose the outcome. So what do we, as recovering addicts, do to prevent relapse and avoid giving in to our urges and temptations?

First, take it to God through prayer. When you feel the urge or desire to use, stop what you are doing and ask God for strength. Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) says, "Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." Jesus understands the struggles we face and is waiting to give you the necessary strength you need to make it.

Second, call someone who cares about your sobriety. If you are serious about staying sober, then you have got to have a plan in place for when you face the temptations that are 100% FOR SURE going to come your way. Shevon and I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (KJV): "(9)Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. (10)For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (11)Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? (12)And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." We lean on each other because two are stronger than one and with God in our lives a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Lastly, read your Bible for comfort and strength. God's Word is full of promises that all recovering addicts should rely on and draw strength from. One of the most comforting and powerful scriptures in the Bible is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13(KJV). It says,"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Don't let the devil bully you or convince you that getting sober is too hard or an impossible task. Memorize the verses from this devotion or carry them in your pocket. When you feel the urge to use, remind Satan that he has no power over you with Jesus on your side. Quote these verses to him. That's what Jesus did when He was being tempted in the wilderness. It worked for Him, it will work for you.