Savage2Saint Sobriety August 25, 2023

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." - Proverbs 17:22 (NIV).

Have you ever noticed how seldom people smile when they are stuck in their addiction? It's like all the joy has been drained from their bodies. Like their dreams have been shattered and they don't care about anything anymore. That's exactly what the drugs and alcohol did to my life. The devil uses them to fulfill his goal "...to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:" - John 10:10a (KJV). Our lives are left with no joy, hope, or faith in anything.

The second half of that verse gives us the answer to the million dollar question: How can addicts beat their addiction and restore sanity back to their lives? Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10b (KJV). Jesus breaks chains. Jesus gives life. Jesus restores families. Jesus gives us back the joy the devil stole from us.

These are my Before Jesus and After Jesus pictures. When I look at the picture on the left, it reminds me of just how miserable I was in my addiction. I was broken and lost. No hope. No joy. Just stuck.

That was January, 2018.

I had just arrived in Puerto Rico for work with the intention of getting sober while I was down there. Unfortunately, trying to get sober without Jesus in my life was only putting a Band-Aid on a wound that needed the Great Physician! I came home sober but that sobriety didn't last long. Later that year I ended up in prison. I got out in 2020 and returned back to the drugs and drinking. It's crazy for me to think that I stayed stuck in my miserable addiction for another 4 years after I took the picture in Puerto Rico.

The picture on the right was taken earlier this year. I now have so many things to live for. The relationships with my kids and family have been restored, I have a great church family, and a new wife who loves the Lord as much as I do. I now smile everywhere I go because Jesus has given me a joy so strong inside that I can't wait to tell everyone I see about His greatness.

The best part is that my life is only going to get better! If I keep God at the forefront of my life, everything from my marriage to the relationships with my kids to the ministry Shevon and I have started will not only survive, but they will thrive! My success is a direct reflection of my willingness to allow God to have control in my life. The closer I draw to God, the closer He draws to me (James 4:8). I owe it ALL to Jesus. Jesus is my recovery!

This type of success is available to every addict still lost. If God did it for me, He will do it for you, too. Read these promises in the Bible and see what kind of life you have to look forward to when you make Jesus your recovery...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV).

'"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."' - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

and

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 (KJV).

No matter how far you get from God, He is only one step away. Stop living your life chained down to your addiction and take strength from these verses. Jesus is standing at the door knocking. All you have to do is open your heart and let Him in. It's that simple. Jesus is the ONLY answer!