There is only one thing worse than being a recovering addict, and that is to “relapse.” Many addicts have expressed that relapse is far more painful than when they first entered recovery. Imagine being clean and sober for ten years and then falling off the wagon? This time, rock bottom reaches an all-time low, and so has the self-loathing. The humiliation, embarrassment, judgment, and disappointment is almost too much to bear. Because of this, some go into denial, trying to preserve the last ounce of dignity they can manage, while others just give up and go deeper and deeper into their addiction. Some even attempt or succeed at taking their own lives.
There’s only one way to climb out of that deep, dark pit of addiction, and that is to cling to Jesus. He is the only One who can give you the victory. And the key to staying clean and sober is to keep clinging to Him! When you take your eyes off of Jesus . . . you will fall! Proverbs 19:27 expresses this so clearly, “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” And Proverbs 20:1 gives this warning: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
God wants you to make good choices, and He will give you Holy Spirit power to do so when you turn your life over to Him. When you hear temptation knocking at your door–don’t answer! Quickly pray, “Jesus help me!” Tens of thousands of angels could be by your side in an instant to give you the strength you need to reach out and clasp the outstretched hand of God. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” The precautions needed are to gain strength from reading God’s Holy Word, spend time in prayer, and surround yourself with godly friends.
If you fall, instead of beating yourself up and wallowing in despair, ask for forgiveness and accept that you are forgiven. Instead of dwelling on your failures... dwell on the amazing future God has planned for you! And for all the self-righteous people pointing fingers of judgment–look the other way! We are all sinners, and “sin is sin” no matter what it is. Every time someone commits a sin, they have also relapsed! Just because their sins are different than yours does not make them any less a sinner.
A good rule to follow is this: If you’re going to put someone down, put them down on your prayer list! Don’t spend a moment worrying about what others think–it only matters what God thinks. Focus on the fact that God loves you and thinks you’re worth saving. He’s not sorry, He gave His life for you and, in fact, is preparing a mansion for you in heaven right now!
So strive every day to have a closer walk with Jesus–that is the BEST way to avoid relapse!
Text:
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
James 1:12 NLT
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Proverbs 24:16 NIV
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Psalm 50:15 NLT
Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com