Relapse is part of recovery. I remember
hearing that a long time ago thinking “what?” if you’re going to relapse what’s
the point. There has to be a way to just stop. It wasn’t until I was introduced
to Jesus did I see that HE is the only way this is possible. You see, when I came
to know Jesus and truly surrender my life to him, I started taking his word as
literal and truth. It tells me that if
anyone is in Christ he is brand New (2 cor 5:17) In Ephesians we are told to
put off the old man with his deeds. (Ephesians 4:22) One of my favorite bible verses says, “Stand
fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not
entangled again with the yoke of bondage!” (Galatians 5:1) The bible tells me
that Jesus frees us and even warns us not to go back into the bondage we were
once slaves to.
My heart has been so heavy
regarding this topic for awhile now. I’ve been wrestling with God about it; taking
my questions and concerns before the throne. If Gods word says we are set free,
why are so many people relapsing? If
Gods word tells us to put off the old man; wouldn’t He equip us to do that? I was
wresting because Gods word and life just wasn’t syncing up in this situation. God does promise in His word he will protect
us, ” 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.” (1 cor 10:13) So, what is going on??
God showed me two things. One Satan
is alive and well, the second, we don’t realize it. We listen to the warning
but we don’t really take heed. We have heard there is a battle for our souls
but since it’s not physical we have a hard time comprehending it. The bible says several times in different
ways, wake up, and watch out, stay sober, we are at war and your enemy is
seeking to kill you! It says He’s like a
roaring lion looking to devour (1peter 5:8) This is scary. If we are off guard’
or “sleeping”, we can easily become prey.
We need to wake up and realize the battle is real.
The great news, the best news,
the battle is already won! Jesus Christ wins! He is mightier than the Devil,
and His Spirit lives in us!! We are more than able to withstand the enemy’s
attacks because we have Jesus. We don’t have to say things like “relapse is
part of recovery” We get to stand firm on the Truth that we are a new creation!
That Jesus, when we are tempted, will make a way for us to escape it. Yes, we
will be tempted, Jesus was tempted, and there will be hard days but God really
is big enough to carry you through! He Promises. I have to believe that what He
promises, He keeps! Thank you Lord! I wrote
this poem this morning when talking to God,
The devil whispers “take a
chance, one more time, and one last dance.”
He sees your weak; he sees it in
your eyes,
And you forget that he is the
father of lies.
His lies sound sweet, he makes a point.
What will it hurt to smoke one
little joint.
To take that pill or have a shot,
You tell yourself, I just won’t get caught.
Well it turns out just one didn’t
do,
You up the dose; it now controls you.
Again in bondage, how can this be?
Not long ago, Jesus set you free.
He picked you up from the mire
and clay.
Put a song in your heart, and a joy
to proclaim.
Why didn’t you listen, why weren’t
you prepared?
To rebuke the lies the devil had shared.
Others had warned you, Satan is
real;
You read in God’s word, he’s looking to kill.
Now you believe, and you know it’s
true.
Satan has tried destroying you.
God’s heart is broken that you turned away,
But his arms are open, just run back his way.
His way is pure, He’s righteous
and light.
He is love, and joy and fighting the fight.
We’re in a war, the side you get to
choose.
Gods side, you’re a conqueror; Satan’s
side, you lose!
