I’m Addicted
Your entire body aches for it. You’ll do anything to get it. You want to conquer this problem, but it’s out of control. Consider these 3 questions.
- Do you crave it nonstop?
- Do you continue to use it even with the consequences?
- Does your frequency and quantity keep increasing?
These are common characteristics of an addict. Does your problem sound like an addiction?
Admitting you have an issue is the first step. It’s bigger than you can imagine and may feel like you can’t solve it by yourself. Tragically, many people never get this far—but you have, and that should encourage you.
Now, take the second step by turning to Jesus Christ and putting your life totally into His hands. Don’t just ask Him to help you; ask Him to take over your entire life. God knows all about your problems—and He is more concerned about you than you are. But He still loves you—just as you are—and wants to forgive you and help you through your addiction. The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Does this mean your addiction and temptations will suddenly vanish if you accept Christ? No, not necessarily; in fact, Satan will do everything he can to turn you away from God. But don’t listen to him! The Bible says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).
Whatever you’re addicted to, God can help. He longs to set you free and give you new life in His Son, Jesus Christ. No one can promise an easy recovery, but Jesus will walk with you and offers a firm foundation to stand on.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?