By Samantha Brown, Connecting NowFaith
It has been said that if we can believe the first four words of the Bible, we should have no problem with the rest of its claims: “In the beginning God …”. The Bible is filled with the mighty workings of God. We read of Him speaking words into existence, parting the seas, providing food supernaturally, knocking down the walls of Jericho, healing the sick, and delivering those who were possessed by demons. Page after page, we read of God providing victory over the events of life.
It seems that for many of us, we celebrate His mighty work in the life of others and even sing together of His miraculous power, but when it comes to our own lives, we doubt. As we witness the unmistakable chaos and unrest happening right outside our window, do we question the ability of God; or wonder if His power is strong enough to deliver us in our time of need? This type of stinking thinking is not good for a healthy person and can prove devastating for a recovering addict.
COVID-19 may be wreaking havoc across our globe, but one thing remains constant, and that is, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). The Lord revealed Himself to me nine years ago at the Bay of the Holy Spirit revival. When I walked into that revival, I was broken, drug-addicted, demon-possessed, and desperate. I did not know what to expect, but I knew something had to change.
The life I had been living was rough, dark, and exhausting. The demons that screamed out of me that night attested to that. That night, God’s love burst upon me, delivering me from drugs, alcohol, and my three pack a day cigarette addiction. In that wondrous, supernatural moment, I was transformed into a new woman. I bought a Bible and began with Genesis.
Once I started reading, I could not put it down. It was as if the words were illuminated and came to life as I read. The Holy Spirit began revealing mysteries to me, and I knew I would never be the same again. I no longer felt dirty and guilty. Instead, I felt pure, young, shy, and innocent. Instantly, my future went from dim to promising, and the more people I shared my story with, the more I realized my encounter with the Lord that night was indeed a supernatural miracle.
Committed to the Lord, I knew I could not keep what He did for me to myself. So, when I was presented with an opportunity to facilitate a women’s addiction group, I prayerfully accepted. My goal has always been to lead those who are suffering, discouraged, tempted, or lost to the feet of Jesus, whose blood purifies the heart, conscience, and body. I have witnessed many people delivered and set free from their addiction, whether it be drugs and alcohol, smoking, lying, porn, overeating, biting nails, shopping, or any stronghold and what glorious moments they were. However, even though one may be delivered from the bondage of addiction, deliverance does not remove a person’s responsibility in remaining intentional in staying free.
The Bible warns, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV), yet regrettably, “As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11 NKJV). It is imperative to stay connected in the community and grounded in the Lord, renewing the mind daily to help avoid relapse. However, the effects of isolation due to quarantine, a lack of spiritual discipline, stress and fear have proved to be too much for some, once again robbing them of their freedom.
Our Christian walk needs constant nurturing. Former addict or not, find an accountability partner or mentor, pray and encourage each other. Be obedient and reach out to those who are trying to self-isolate; a simple Facetime prayer call could break the plans of the enemy at that moment. Jesus taught that true faith will always be manifested in obedience. God cannot lie, and knowing His Word and His will for your life will help remove any hindrance to you walking in your purpose, including doubt. Together, we will overcome evil with good, so together, in unity, let us exalt His glorious name.