Dear windmill2kids,
From a fellow addict....
Years of abuse.... then Jesus in my life... and then .... I went back....
I shouldn't be standing, let alone here, sharing with you..... but that is my way of thinking... not our Lord's.
One of the worst enemies we face is condemnation.
This comes from ourselves and others.... well, it comes from the enemy of our souls.
Jesus understands your position. Some say if you don't give up, you are not Christian... or , you don't love Jesus..... you might even say this yourself... I did... I struggled with it. Most flack comes from those who have not ever understood what it is like to be addicted to addictive substances.... that your body... (NOTE, body) longs for.
My heart and soul never stopped yearning for Jesus.... never..... and that is to His glory, not mine, for He loved me while I was unlovable, and between you me and the gum tree, He still does. And I want you to know without a shadow of doubt, windmill2kids, He loves you and will always love you with His love and your love for Him and yearning after Him is His work in you.... be strengthened by this... it is truely powerful to meditate on.
Now, the best bit....
Jesus never just takes an addiction away and leaves you empty..... ahhhhh ..... No, He never will leave you empty... in fact, He will fill you with such a powerful fix of His love that every other thing you have ever had will be a joke....
Some may disagree, but in addict terms, that is the way it is.....
Just today, talking with another man who used to partake in many mind altering things, we discussed the fact that people are always looking for that super fix.... and never get it.... and yet, when Jesus sets us free... He set us free....AND sets us with Him..... wow!
I encourage you to get yearning after Him like you never have before.... and get into some Jesus loving fellowship where He is the only focus... and see how magnificently beautiful He is.... with no coming down or side effects.... well, not really... overflowing and rising joy and peace, unspeakable and full of wonder are a couple of side effects.... and very nice they are, too!
The pull of addiction is strong.... but, Jesus is stronger...
I shall pray, and I ask you to continue here, to keep us up to date on how you are doing.... and we shall be praying.... and supporting you in your new habit, praising the Lord and letting Him reign as King in your life.
Don't beat yourself for where you are at, windmill2kids. Understand that He understands.... that He died for us.... because we could not do it ourselves.... and that He welcomes you to call on Him, and repent... and desires to be able to come to you more than you will ever desire to come unto Him.
Your faith is the essential thing... for by faith you are saved.... and condemnation eats away and steals from faith, casting doubt on His mercy and grace.
Believe... and receive..... in Jesus name.
Bless you ....><>
Br. Bear
He set me free.... so He can do the same for you.
ray:
