Tuesday, January 10, 2023
The person I was before I gave my life to Jesus, and began the adventure he planned for me, was not the best version of me.
I allowed my past to consume me and identify who I was. I wasn’t the worst player on a winning team or the best on a losing team. I wasn’t even on a team—so how was I supposed to know what winning felt like … or what it looked like?
In the middle of my struggle with alcohol, I thought winning was putting the bottle down. Little did I know that was just the first step—or enemy—that needed defeating. As difficult as it was to admit that I was powerless over my addiction and my life was out of control, I soon found out that was my easiest opponent.
One of the hardest parts of having an addiction comes after quitting—staying clean and sober. It is a lifelong battle. And one that wouldn’t be possible without Jesus in my life.
Galatians 2:20
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
When I was baptized a few years back, my old self was dead to the past, and my new life in Jesus was born. Once I allowed Jesus into my life and handed him the reins, I knew the battle had already been fought and won for me.
Deuteronomy 20:4
For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!
This is not to say I was able to sit back and do nothing after my baptism. There is always work to be done. I found talking to others who have been through similar problems extremely helpful. Getting involved in a recovery program is a great way to win the battle, and when we know Jesus is with us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31b). Celebrate Recovery is an excellent option for those dealing with addictions or for anyone who is suffering from a hurt, habit, or hang-up.
In the recovery world, we call our addictions a cunning and baffling enemy, and we’re not wrong, because they are. But like any opponent out there, with the right mindset and plan, they can be defeated. The past does come back to haunt me from time-to-time, but when I reflect on how the battle is already won, I find peace. Jesus showed us this when he predicted his death, burial, and resurrection—and the same spirit lives within us.
The battle has already been won.
Psalm 3:8
Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people.
Questions:
Have you ever had to give anything up permanently because it was starting to consume your life? Is there an area of your life that you need to let go of? Does it help knowing your battle has already been won through Christ?
Next Steps:
Read Galatians 2 to see the similarity of Paul’s confrontation with Peter.
Pray on something that needs to be confronted in your life. Join us for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.
Attend a Celebrate Recovery group. A great way to start the new year is by working to recover from something in your past that still haunts you.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 2 Focus - For my Love for God and Others to Grow (Matthew 22:36-39)
Dear God, you said that the greatest commandment to follow is to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. As I connect with you over these 21 Days of Prayer, grow my trust in you and my heart so that I will love you more. Then, as my love grows for you, help me to love those around me more and more each day. Amen.
Today’s Parent Prayer
This post was written by Casey Stengel. Casey is a follower of Christ, a dad, and an avid Chicago sports fan. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He works in recovery and loves to help people however he can. He is also working toward his Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.