Dear fellow ABATE Members:
Overcoming Addictions
This month, we received calls from the Sheriff's Department and the Pinellas County Medical Examiners Office, telling us that the skeletal remains of a related family member had been located. This member had been missing since last April. Efforts by us, other relatives, and a friend to locate this person had been ongoing for many months.
The remains had been located under a tree, in a very remote and wooded section of a City Park. The deceased had a half-consumed bottle of Vodka and cigarettes located next to him. All indications were that he decided to find a remote and undisturbed location to end his life, by drinking himself to death. Prior to this, the addictive nature of alcohol had been taking total control of his life. He was in-and-out of treatment, a shelter, and a half-way house.
He had family and a friend that loved him and tried to help care for him. There were many resources that were available to help with physical and psychological needs. In the end, it was really all up to him and the effort that he would have to make to turn his life around. In the end, he gave up his life rather than to battle his destructive addiction and let others help in the process. Now, he will never see his sons get married. He will never see grandchildren. He was only 58 years old.
The message is that this tragedy did not have to happen. It is a part of our human nature that to one degree or another, we ALL have voids and problems in our lives which need to be dealt with. The voids and problems in our lives arise from the sinful nature that comes from the beginning of the human race; since Adam and Eve in their prideful rebellion decided to disobey God in the Garden. They were tempted by the devil, away from the easy path that God had provided for them. Human nature does not seem to have changed since.
Instead of letting alcohol, drugs, and other destructive items fill whatever voids we have, why not let God fill those voids? If we consume destructive items, then eventually they will begin to consume us. If we accept God, receive his Son Jesus into our lives, believe in Him, and let Him begin to consume us, then we can begin to believe in and receive God's promises.
Here are some of God's promises and admonitions, to help:
1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. He promises that he will help you to find a way out of any temptation and that He will not let you be tempted beyond anything which you cannot handle.
5. Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. It appears that God wants ALL areas of our lives, not just the addictions.
6. Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. Too many lead themselves to the prideful destructive conclusion that they can handle addictions on their own. Please go before the Lord; find Godly counsel before it is too late!
7. I Corinthians 6:20 - ...honor God with your body.
Here is the first step. God tells us that He is there to help, if we ask. Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Will you let Him come in? Please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and I wish to be free in you. I believe that you can help me overcome and free me from my addictions. I turn them all over to you. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
If you wish to contact us, to talk about your decision for Him, please email or call. If you wish us to help with prayer for you, loved ones, friends or others, let us know.
Blessings,
Tom and Kathy - www.messiahsmessengers.org - 239-267-8641