Romans 12:12<\/strong>).<\/p>\nMany resources and organizations support recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is perhaps the most well-known. All endeavors dedicated to recovery are admirable, and faith-based recovery has proven to be a very successful method.<\/p>\n
According to churchandmentalhealth.com,<\/u> over 400 studies have found that a significantly higher success rate is linked to faith-based recovery programs. Combining spiritual growth and discovery with recovery creates a winning combination as one recuperates.<\/p>\n
A quick web search yields multiple courses and groups dedicated to ending addiction. Many offer ten-step programs, pillars of health, and other \u201cproven\u201d methods that lead to restorative well-being. Of the ones we found, goodlandingrecovery.com<\/u> offered the most logical and inspirational approach.<\/p>\n
PLEASE NOTE: We have no affiliation with Good Landing Recovery. They could be a phenomenal road to recovery, but we have no firsthand experience with them.<\/p>\n
However, their four pillars of faith-based recovery are an excellent resource and a thought-provoking guide to healing.<\/p>\n
Their pillars of faith-based recovery are 1) Creating<\/u> An Atmosphere of Faith, 2) Developing<\/u> An Overcoming Spirit, 3) Building<\/u> A Strong Body, and 4) Trusting<\/u> The Process.<\/p>\n
Creating An Atmosphere of Faith<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cHow will this be,\u201d Mary asked the angel, \u201csince I am a virgin?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n35\u00a0The angel answered, \u201cThe Holy Spirit will come on you,\u00a0and the power of the Most High\u00a0will overshadow you. So, the holy one\u00a0to be born will be called\u00a0the Son of God.\u00a036\u00a0Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child\u00a0in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.\u00a037\u00a0For no word from God will ever fail.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n38\u00a0\u201cI am the Lord\u2019s servant,\u201d Mary answered. \u201cMay your word to me be fulfilled.\u201d Then the angel left her. \u2013 Luke 1:34-38<\/strong><\/p>\nAt first, it seemed odd to find Mary\u2019s discussion with the angel referenced as a pillar for recovery, yet it makes perfect sense.<\/p>\n
Through God\u2019s power and magnificence, Elizabeth conceived John the Baptist, and Mary carried our Savior into this world. God has promised eternal life to anyone who drinks from His cup (John 4:13-14<\/strong>).<\/p>\nAccepting Him and placing our faith in Him means knowing He will never fail us. Like Mary, we need only to serve Him and witness the fulfillment of His Word.<\/p>\n
Developing An Overcoming Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cI rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.\u00a0Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.<\/em>\u00a011\u00a0I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content\u00a0whatever the circumstances.\u00a012\u00a0I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,\u00a0whether living in plenty or in want.\u00a013\u00a0I can do all this through him who gives me strength.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Philippians 4:10-13<\/strong><\/p>\nLife is tough. We\u2019ve spoken about Paul writing the book of Philippians<\/strong> from within prison walls, yet his primary focus was on the Joy he found in Christ\u2019s presence and how that should also be our focus.<\/p>\nEven through difficult times, we can learn to be content only by drawing strength from Christ\u2019s power. Our circumstances do not negate His promises. He will supply our needs (even though we may not always get what we want).<\/p>\n
Overcoming addiction is not merely a physical battle; it\u2019s a spiritual one (Ephesians 6:12<\/strong>). Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead is the key. Through Him and His Word, strongholds of all kinds (including addiction) are demolished (1 Corinthians 10:3-4<\/strong>). With Him, we can and will overcome.<\/p>\nBuilding A Strong Body<\/strong><\/p>\nDo you not know that your bodies are temples\u00a0of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;<\/em>\u00a020\u00a0you were bought at a price.\u00a0Therefore honor God with your bodies. <\/em>\u2013 1 Corinthians 6:19-20<\/strong><\/p>\nAddiction can destroy the body. As mentioned, the spiritual battle is extensive, but the physical struggle is no walk in the park. Paul reminds us that we are placed here for a reason. Our bodies are physical vessels used to carry out God\u2019s purpose. We must care for the body, mind, and spirit equally.<\/p>\n
Remaining physically active helps prolong the life of the body. In turn, we can serve and fulfill His purpose here on earth without setbacks and delay.<\/p>\n
In life and death, we belong to Him; our acceptance of Christ brings Freedom from sin but requires service to Him \u2013 we are His (Romans 14:7-8<\/strong>). Our bodies are loaned to us as we carry out His purpose. We must care for what we\u2019ve been given.<\/p>\nTrusting The Process<\/strong><\/p>\nTherefore, I urge you,\u00a0brothers and sisters, in view of God\u2019s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,\u00a0holy and pleasing to God\u2014this is your true and proper worship.<\/em>\u00a02\u00a0Do not conform\u00a0to the pattern of this world,\u00a0but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.\u00a0Then you will be able to test and approve what God\u2019s will is\u2014his good, pleasing, and perfect will.<\/em> \u2013 Romans 12:1-2<\/strong><\/p>\nThe world, family, friends, colleagues, everyone seems to have an opinion about how, what, where, and why things should be handled. However, God\u2019s Word points us to a path of transformation. A path unparalleled by this world.<\/p>\n
Paul reminds us that the way things seem and what is portrayed as expected in this world requires us first to ask if it matches God\u2019s will. If so, great. However, we will likely need to adjust our thinking and develop a renewed way of seeing things. We must trust His Way and do so humbly.<\/p>\n
With addiction, the world tells us there\u2019s nothing wrong \u2013 do what you want, you only live once, etc. That type of flesh-driven thinking leads to death, yet our thoughts governed by Him bring life and peace (Romans 8:5-6<\/strong>). We are offered a choice. Which will we choose?<\/p>\nWrapping up this week\u2019s post, it may be a stretch to dig this deep into the meaning of \u201cCaffeine.\u201d However, there\u2019s no denying humanity\u2019s desire for substances. Sugar. Caffeine. Alcohol. Pills. Food. We love a \u201cquick fix.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\nThe problem with \u201cquick fixes\u201d <\/em>is that they often lead to long-term dependencies. And while moderation is key, it can easily be abused or rationalized away.<\/p>\nThe processes described above are noteworthy steps and reminders of who we are in Christ and how we fight our battles. The question is, are we willing and able to give up the fight? Are we willing to surrender to His authority? Do we struggle alone, or do we ask Him to lead?<\/p>\n
As we enjoy our morning \u201ccup of Joe<\/em>,\u201d are we willing to give our daily lives to Him? Of course, we aren\u2019t demonizing coffee or, believe it or not, any other substance. The question is this: \u201cAre we dependent on those things for survival, or are we dependent on Him?<\/em>\u201d It\u2019s a simple yet profound question.<\/p>\nIn conclusion, Steven\u2019s tour of Hell is an interesting one. Many songs and scenarios paint the darkness and despair that reside there. Alice, as always, does an incredible job poking and prodding the mind to think deeper.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaffeine\u201d pokes fun at the need to stay awake. Steven\u2019s fear of sleep and the nightmares that have consumed him. He will do anything to avoid the experience. With the song\u2019s relevance, one might ask, \u201cWhat do I fear?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\nWhat lengths would we go to avoid such terrors and dread? The bigger question might be: Are the habits we use to escape our fears more detrimental than what we are trying to avoid? Which nightmares do we share with Steven (and Alice)? Which ones do we face alone?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s it for this week! Catch you next Friday.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, keep Walkin\u2019 in Faith and Rockin\u2019 with Alice!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n