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] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
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 gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, '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 accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?