For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)
This weekend, I spoke with a friend whose husband has been a high-functioning, closet alcoholic for decades. After several past interventions that didn’t lead to lasting change, she finally reached a breaking point and gave him a clear ultimatum. Her update was cautiously hopeful: he appears to be staying sober, and she’s feeling guardedly optimistic. Thirty-five years of marriage and three children are a lot to lose to alcohol addiction—but sadly, he’s far from alone in this struggle.
Yesterday morning at church, I saw a woman whose husband had struggled with addiction during their ten-year marriage—so much so that she and their three sons moved out last year. I hadn’t seen him at church in months, so I assumed they were still separated. But recently, I came across his social media profile, where he shared that, by the power and grace of God, he’s been sober for over six months. While my conversations with her have been brief, she told me this morning that things are going “really well.” I didn’t have a chance to ask what that meant for their relationship, but I’m thankful she seems hopeful about where things are heading.
I’ve never struggled with substance addiction or been closely associated with someone who did. But I can see the pain it causes spouses, children, parents, and other family members and friends. The roller coaster of emotions has to be exhausting. How do you watch someone you love choose the addiction over everything else time after time after time? And how do you keep vows to love, honor, and cherish until death do you part, if the other person is breaking that covenant? I don’t know. There are very hard things in this life, and this is on the list.
But I do know that God can free and heal people from addictions. God can be the strength and support for spouses who say “no more!” God can knit marriages and families back together with love, grace, and hope. God can – and will – redeem these lives.
God,
You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the One whose Wisdom knows no bounds. You create us as fearfully and wonderfully made, and delight in us. Thank you for your consistency, your faithfulness to us, and your love for your children, even when we struggle with sin. Thank you that you offer hope and freedom for those who are struggling with addiction. Thank you that your grace is sufficient for each of us, and that your power is made perfect in our weakness.
Today we pray in the name of Jesus for each addict to hear your call to that freedom, and to surrender to your healing power. Purify their minds, hearts, emotions, and habits so that they are no longer addicted. As they fight this battle, we pray for your wisdom and guidance to be upon their families and friends. Help them encourage and celebrate healing, but to stand firm against choices that lead to relapse. Strengthen them, help them, and uphold them. Redeem the lost and broken years, and give them hope and fealing for the present and future.
May all of us say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, but live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. We ask all of this in the powerful and healing name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. AMEN.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires… For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:12-14 ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)