Addiction | Sam Chisholm

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'- Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Addiction, what is it? Wikipedia defines addiction as a brain disorder characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The Passion Translation of Galatians 5:19-21 specifically talks about addiction and the other forms of selfishness. The first and second commandment (Exodus 20) says, “You shall have no other gods before me and you shall not make for yourself an idol. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.” In essence, anything that takes up more time than what you are spending with God is an idol/addiction, (except obviously sleep and work :P). God’s Word also talks more in depth about temptation and the leading up to what becomes addiction (Matthew 6:13).

As I was thinking about what to share, I had no idea what I wanted to write about, but the topic that kept on coming into my mind was addiction. I kept on pushing it back, because I felt like I was not the right person to talk about it. This is mainly because I am still fighting the battle against my own particular addictions. So as I was waiting on what the Lord wanted me to write about, He gave me Philippians 4:13 and then what I was to write all came together in my mind.

A few weeks ago, the Lord broke the chains and I was delivered from the addiction that was pinned to myself. Since then I have sensed that it is not over - I will never be finished fighting this since it is a ‘crack in the wall’ that the enemy has found and will continually try and exploit. So who do we turn to? Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Another verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13, “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.” (NKJV) These two verses speak for themselves and they give us hope and confidence that with the Lord’s help, we can get through whatever it is we are struggling with. Jesus is the ‘plaster that seals up any cracks.’

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the great apostle Paul tells us that “a thorn in the flesh” was given to him by a messenger of Satan. Three times he asked the Lord that it might depart from him. The Lord responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Basically, I believe that God is saying that He lets us have these iniquities so that we stay reliant on Him. The Lord has a plan for everyone - in terms of deliverance,you might be delivered instantly or it might take some time. Never lose faith, bring it before God and let Him do what He knows is best for your life