[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Pain of Relapse" - Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Sat Jun 26 09:07:11 UTC 2021

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Pain of Relapse
There is only one thing worse than being a recovering addict and that is to “relapse.” Many addicts have expressed that relapse is far more painful than when they first entered recovery. Imagine being clean and sober for ten years and then falling off the wagon? This time rock bottom reaches an all-time low and so has the self-loathing. The humiliation, embarrassment, judgment, and disappointment is almost too much to bear. Because of this, some go into denial trying to preserve the last ounce of dignity they can manage, while others just give up and go deeper and deeper into their addiction. Some even attempt or succeed at taking their own lives. There’s only one way to climb out of that deep dark pit of addiction and that is to cling to Jesus. He is the only One who can give you the victory. And the key to staying clean and sober is to keep clinging to Him! When you take your eyes off of Jesus . . . you will fall! Proverbs 19:27 expresses this so clearly, “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” And Proverbs 20:1 gives this warning: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” God wants you to make good choices and He will give you Holy Spirit power to do so when you turn your life over to Him. When you hear temptation knocking at your door–don’t answer! Quickly pray, “Jesus help me!” Tens of thousands of angels could be by your side in an instant to give you the strength you need to reach out and clasp the outstretched hand of God. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” The precautions needed are to gain strength from reading God’s Holy Word, spend time in prayer, and surround yourself with godly friends. If you fall, instead of beating yourself up and wallowing in despair, ask for forgiveness and accept that you are forgiven. Instead of dwelling on your failures . . . dwell on the amazing future God has planned for you! And for all the self-righteous people pointing fingers of judgment–look the other way! We are all sinners and “sin is sin” no matter what it is. Everytime someone commits a sin, they have also relapsed! Just because their sins are different than yours does not make them any less a sinner. A good rule to follow is this: If you’re going to put someone down, put them down on your prayer list! Don’t spend a moment worrying about what others think–it only matters what God thinks. Focus on the fact that God loves you and thinks you’re worth saving. He’s not sorry He gave His life for you and, in fact, is preparing a mansion for you in heaven right now! So strive every day to have a closer walk with Jesus–that is the BEST way to avoid relapse! TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:12, Proverbs 24:16, Psalm 50:15

Bible Texts:
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV - No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 

James 1:12 NKJV - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

Proverbs 24:16 NKJV - For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity. 

Psalm 50:15 NKJV - Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

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