Don’t Say...I Can’t Do It, When You Can
When you struggle with addiction, saying ‘I can’t do it’, in relation to quitting, is very true. Repetitive behaviours, become the norm, without clarity how you impact your health and others around you. It’s a difficult battle, one that can seem endless, and sadly, a battle chained to sin.
Jesus says...
John 8:34
“Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.”
The question to ask…is it sin that keeps you bound in the endless cycle to your addiction. For me, it’s emotional eating with sugar. To eat sweets when I feel like I’m drowning in life’s battles or celebrating good news. It’s the go to for every occasion. Sadly, I do it without thinking. Then afterwards, comes guilt. I say to myself, tomorrow is another day. Or I’ll start changing my diet Monday. But Monday never comes. This battle has consumed me for over ten years. A habit I periodically believe can never be broken, which is the case for many who have addiction problems.
Addiction isn’t narrowed to drugs and alcohol, it slithers into other areas of life—compulsive shopping, rigorous fitness routines, smoking, gambling, pornography, and food. However, it does have one commonality, a root of pain. A pain most don’t want to face, masked with an addiction, so you don’t have to think about it. You can drown the pain with sweet wine, close the door when high on a substance, or run 5 miles in the morning and again after dinner, or eat a chocolate brownie combined with a caramel macchiato, or make numerous purchases. Then the next day, repeat and then repeat again. Before you know it, you look at yourself in the mirror and ask, ‘who are you? what have you done with your life?’ Instead of digging deeper, you walk away mortified and continue with satisfying your addiction.
My sugar addiction has now impeded my health. But I continue my routine, ignoring symptoms? Why? Because I’m blindly enslaved to this sin.
God created you in His image. You are the love of His life. Moreover, your body is the temple for the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19:
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own."
The devil knows how valuable your body is to God, and he will do his utmost to ensure you damage it through addiction and other means. In essence, causing damage to the body, is a grievance against the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30
‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. He is the intercessor in teaching and guiding you to righteousness. He is the open door to communicate with Christ Jesus. Moreover, He knows every secret, pain, joy, you’ve experienced and knows exactly what your purpose is. He is a miraculous gift, given through Jesus’s sacrifice so you’re not alone.
Many who receive the Holy Spirit are cleansed from their addiction instantly. Then there are many who continue to struggle. I often ask why, and the answer is always the same, ‘surrender your all to me, let go, release control.’ To let go and allow the Holy Spirit to take the reins and give this addiction to Jesus, I know will set me free, for Jesus has repeatedly relayed this message...’lean on me, my strength, and I will set you free.’
There is no doubt addiction is an uphill battle, for some the hill can seem like Mount Everest, however, there is no reason why you can’t reach the top. To change your story to ‘I can’t do this alone, however, I can be victorious through the strength of the Lord.”
Isaiah 41:10
‘So do not FEAR, for I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN you and HELP you; I WILL uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
This verse explains it all...
DO NOT FEAR
To make the decision to seek help and change your life can be terrifying, as it’s like dipping your toe into unknown waters, fearful of the ripples and the ‘what ifs’ if you take a stand to change.
It’s the unknown that can keep you chained to this endless battle.
I can already feel the anxiety creeping in and the enemy convincing me that it’s okay to buy that coffee and eat a chocolate scone. The quick douse of dopamine will satisfy my tastebuds and bring sweetness into my life.
It’s so easy to fall into this thinking trap, and so difficult to let go. However, in this verse, God says, ‘do not fear,’ and as His child, I need to trust in Him, take His hand when fear takes over, knowing I’ll be blessed with His peace.
I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU
To stand with courage knowing God is there to pick you up if you fall with His righteous right hand are words that need to be felt. You need to believe God will be there to give you the strength to walk away and say no.
This verse helped me this morning as I had a 40-minute MRI. There were moments where I thought I couldn’t handle it, but I kept repeating the words, “I will strengthen you and help you, do not be afraid for I AM with you wherever you go, be still and know that I AM God.” Then I felt this sense of peace overcome me, and before I knew it, it was over.
God stands at the sideline waiting for you to make a touch down, so He can celebrate with you. He knows your fear, heartbreak, guilt, and shame. Yet, He patiently waits for you to ask, “God, I can’t do this alone, I need you.”
I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND
Each step you take towards recovery is difficult. However, knowing God is there to hold you up with His right hand, can help sustain you. It’s a promise He will walk beside you in your journey. He will not leave you alone to fight this battle. He is your rock to lean on when you feel like giving up or succumbing, as you don’t believe you’re worthy of change.
There was a point in my life where my family life was overwhelming, and I wanted it to end. So, I wrote a letter to God asking for peace in my life. (This was before I gave my life to Jesus). The next day I awakened, and my heart overflowed with peace. My mind was clear, and joy vibrated through me. However, not being a follower of Jesus, I didn’t know what to do with this gift. I didn’t know what to think and, most of all, I didn’t feel worthy. I buried it into the deepest corner of my heart and returned to my challenging life.
Here was God gifting me with His grace, a gift to wipe clean the heartache, and I walked away. How many of you turn away a helping hand, walk away from an opportunity you know will give you peace?
It’s believing you’re unworthy, or God doesn’t care, that binds you to your enslaved addiction.
What you need to believe is God loves you. He doesn’t care what condition you’re in, or actions that hurt others, He just wants to hold you, lift you up, and give you strength to overcome the addiction that rules your life.
Reader, I write this not only to help you but to help myself. To invite you to take that step with me and stand in the strength and help of God, and say, “I’m ready God. I can’t do this anymore. Please help me.”
Let’s Pray...
Lord,
Please help me to release control of my addiction. To rely on you Lord as you are my strength. In you there is no weakness, fear, doubt, only peace and certainty.
Help me Lord in my weakness, especially when it comes to my (name of your addiction). Open my eyes to see you. To hold your righteous right hand and lift me out of the shadows and into your grace. Break the chains that enslave me and set me free.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
To help you in your journey, I created a Prayer Journal, titled, “He will Increase, I must Decrease,” inspired by John 3:30.
The theme is to reduce repetitive behaviours that don’t align with God’s purpose for your life. It’s been essential in growing my relationship with God and led me to write this personal blog to help you with your addiction, through prayer. This is a helpful tool; however, for serious addictions, please also seek professional help. There are numerous agencies and help centers available.
The journal includes:
The journal is in a digital format where you can print numerous copies of each page at my ETSY Shop, Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
Grab your copy today.
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
