Jesus and Recovery

[sdmsanjose]

These posts below are from the Substance Abuse forum but someone suggested that I post here also. The title of the thread on the substance Abuse forum is “Jesus and Recovery. Portions of that thread are below:”


Jesus and Recovering

​

I have heard a lot of people in recovery say things like:
Has anyone tried Jesus? He can and will truly dry you out. He can help.
Jesus was totally the biggest part of my recovery?
don't think I tried Jesus, more like he tried me
He has and will deliver us from what ever brings us down and separates us from Him
Jesus has helped people (Man) recover for nearly 2000 years


For me those posts stopped short of explaining the details. Without details it seems to me that those statements do not help much. I would think that if Jesus helped someone with such a dramatic situation as addiction the details would be keenly remembered.

I would like to ask all people that are recovering with Jesus being involved to please explain SPECIFICALLY how Jesus helped you.





Sdmsanjose responds 3-7-09

I am going to quote some of your answers and then comment

TheMainExecption 3-4-09
Sometimes, when God does stuff, it's like WAM! out of heaven. Other times, it's bringing a friend into a person's life who guides them to help. Sometimes God gives the person the strength to keep going and not give up

BOBW188 3-6-09
Jesus will help. You will have to act, to reach out, to avail yourself of the 12 Step groups, therapists, etc that God has provided you.

TheMainExecption 3-6-09
I really believe it's a steady dose of all of the above. Saying only actions, or only belief or only thinking over it and reading things and doing intellectual activities is going to do the trick isn't quite right. All of the above is necessary. Humans are made up of Body, Spirit, Soul. Recovering requires that all three are involved. This means, acting, thinking, and believing

Sdmsanjose comments


“Sometimes, when God does stuff, it's like WAM! out of heaven”
I do believe that it sometimes happens like “Sometimes, when God does stuff, it's like WAM! out of heaven” I have a friend since high school (Danny) that was drunk almost everyday for 15 years and then BAM he stopped; he has been sober for over 20 years. He credits 100% to God. My father-in-law drank beer and whiskey for over 50 years and it cost him plenty. He quit when he got arrested for an alcohol related accident and was put in jail for the first time at age 75 and had to pay $7000 for attorney’s fees. He has been sober for 2+ years and drinks non-alcoholic beer.

I have seen the BAM thing happen with a person who gives 100% credit to God and a person who has never said one word about a spiritual involvement with his sobriety or any other thing in his life. When his son died at the age of 32 he specifically demanded that a Christian relative not sing any Christian songs at the funeral.

BOBW188 and TheMainException,
you both gave some detail. Bringing a friend into your life that helps guide you is detail, saying “You will have to act, to reach out, to avail yourself of the 12 Step groups, therapists, etc that God has provided you” is detail IMO.

TheMainException,
you did a good job of giving a summary of the general outline of what it takes to get into recovery: “This means, acting, thinking, and believing”

This is just my opinion. Although you did provide some detail I am still puzzled. I have been involved with a non-Christian recovery board for over 4 years and have heard some very detailed descriptions of the 12-step programs that have helped the addicts get into long term recovery. I think that the 12-step programs are so right on and they are very detailed as they have several books that are very specific about what and why something helps. Some of those that talk about the 12-step programs are Christians and some are not. As a matter of fact one of the most articulate addicts is not a Christian. She has been in recovery for over 5 years and was an addict of mostly Meth for over 26 years.

I believe that Jesus Christ is who He says He is and am puzzled as to why my experience with Christians that have been helped by Christ seem to not be able to go into great detail as much as the 12-step programs and their followers including the non-Christian 12 steppers.

Actually I have read some of the twelve step books and I think that the 12-step programs are directly related to Christ’s teachings. I have been told that the “Higher Power” term was originally Jesus Christ but was changed in order to be more attractive to different addicts.

I am puzzled as to why it appears that in my 4 + years of experience with addiction and recovery the non-Christians seem to be more detailed and articulate than most Christians. I realize that this may be because most of my experience has been on a non-Christian board but there were a lot of Christians on that board. When I posted this thread on this Christian Forum I was expecting a lot more responses and a lot more detail.

I hope I did not offend anyone too much but this has been bothering me for some time and I am just being honest about my thoughts. I may be wrong and stand to be corrected but statements like “Has anyone tried Jesus? He can and will truly dry you out. He can help” bothers me when there is no follow up detail.

When you are desperate for someone to get into recovery that kind of statement without detail just don’t do much for me.

 

[madison1101]

Interesting discussion topic.

One of the most challenging things for me in my years in and out of AA has been to integrate my faith in Christ with my 12 step program. It was only through relapses and returns that I have been able to see clearly just how Christ fits into the "Big Picture."

I have a really good book called "The Twelve Steps for Christians." It is just like AA's 12 Steps and 12 Traditions in that it discusses each step, BUT, the big difference is that it discusses each step using scriptures that are applicable to that step. What has also helped me is to read and study the "Recovery Devotional Bible" which has the steps discussed throughout it.

Most importantly, having my daily devotions where I journal my prayers to the Lord, and discuss with bare bones honesty my struggles, doubts and fears, has helped me tremendously.

In Step One, I am powerless over alcohol, just as with any other struggle on earth. I believe Romans 7 has a discussion of Paul's inability to stop doing things he did not want to do, etc.

In Step Two, I begin to believe that Christ can restore me to sanity, Philippians 4:13 says that I can do all things through Christ. Romans discusses being transformed by the renewing of my mind.

In Step Three, Romans 12 discusses offering my body as a living sacrifice to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 6 discusses honoring God with my body.

Those are the first three steps as I have tried to work them using God's Word as my guide.

I hope this makes sense.

Trish

 

[sdmsanjose]

Trish quote
I hope this makes sense.

THAT MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENCE!
Thank you Trish!

I can see how the 12-step program as written would be more universal to addicts. Sometimes some people are turned off by scripture, depending where their spiritual beliefs are at the time. IMO the 12-steps are written very effectively and does a great job of not offending anyone’s God.

I also believe that the 12-steps are almost exactly the same principles as the Christian principles that I have been taught. In other words, for me, the 12-steps are Christian principals written into today’s language and have a very universal appeal that is structured to not offend non-Christians.

The 12-step program is the most detailed and articulate recovery program that I have ever examined. I just wished that some Christians would be that thorough when they say things like JESUS IS THE ANSWER and then stop at that!

Most addicts or loved-ones of addicts are desperate for answers that they can see some hope in, something that makes sense, just like you did Trish. All Christians know that Jesus is our greatest hope but it sure helps when someone offers some clarity. To quote one of my favorite authors, “My heart cannot rejoice in what my MIND rejects!"

Yes, I know that the other components are very important, the components of faith and action but my main concern with this post is the MIND and detailed articulate information.

Thanks again Trish, my heart can rejoice because you provided me with something my mind is not puzzled about


Stan

 

[healy]

I never really expect Jesus to heal me because in my heart I'm into self hate and pain so i don't even ask but I know he is with me because i should be dead,need to appreciate him but the alcohol use keeps me kind of selfish.

 

[BobW188]

Well, Healy, you're making a whole lot of friends here. We'll love you 'til (and after) you can do it on your own. Meantime, Jesus says ask and it will be given. Probably not overnight, and probably not without a lot of work on your part. (But, as it goes along, you'll start noticing how He's doing a lot more than you are.) So ask, even if you think you don't mean it. He knows better!

Good to see you posting! Keep coming back!

 

[UnitynLove]

I never really expect Jesus to heal me because in my heart I'm into self hate and pain so i don't even ask but I know he is with me because i should be dead,need to appreciate him but the alcohol use keeps me kind of selfish.

I think your cool, I like you!

 

[madison1101]

I never really expect Jesus to heal me because in my heart I'm into self hate and pain so i don't even ask but I know he is with me because i should be dead,need to appreciate him but the alcohol use keeps me kind of selfish.

I remember hating myself a great deal when I was drinking actively. Satan uses that alcohol to lie to us ,and tell us we are no good, and not worth anything. When I got rid of the bottle, and started praying and believing what God said about me, my attitude changed. God says he loves you. Satan says you aren't worth loving. Who will you believe today?

[FONT=&quot]John 1:12 [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am God's child. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]John 15:15 [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Romans 5:1[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been justified.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1 Corinthians 6:17[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1 Corinthians 6:19-20[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1 Corinthians 12:27[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am accepted... [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ephesians 1:3-8[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Colossians 1:13-14[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Colossians 2:9-10[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am complete in Christ.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Hebrews 4:14-16[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.[/FONT]



[FONT=&quot]I am secure...[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Romans 8:1-2[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am free from condemnation.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Romans 8:28[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Romans 8:31-39[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2 Corinthians 1:21-22[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Colossians 3:1-4[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am hidden with Christ in God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Philippians 1:6[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Philippians 3:20[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am a citizen of heaven.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2 Timothy 1:7[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1 John 5:18[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I am significant...[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]John 15:5[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]John 15:16[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1 Corinthians 3:16[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am God's temple.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2 Corinthians 5:17-21[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am a minister of reconciliation for God.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ephesians 2:6[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ephesians 2:10[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am God's workmanship.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Ephesians 3:12[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I may approach God with freedom and confidence.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Philippians 4:13 [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. [/FONT]
​

 

[sdmsanjose]

Madison1101 (Trish)

Your last reply is what I call DETAIL!!!

Much appreciated

 

[TheMainException]

I think the reason that a lot of Christians can't give a lot of detail is because it seems so "out there" and they really don't know how to describe it.

 

[madison1101]

Madison1101 (Trish)

Your last reply is what I call DETAIL!!!

Much appreciated

I forgot to give due credit to Neil Anderson for that list. He is the writer of it. I just happened to be blessed with it years ago, and keep it handy to share with others from time to time.

Thanks,
Trish

 

[sdmsanjose]

I am reprinting a post from another recovery board. I hope someone gets something out of it.



reprinted post from another recovery board:
Well.....I have always been taught to love and to honor God.....all of my life. But things happen and I had definitely strayed from that. I was deep in an alcohol addiction that I didn't even see. My addict was running rampant in my life and I was allowing it. I prayed....sometimes often......but really didn't have an understanding of how to pray or what to say.

My addict went to jail facing an almost certain 20 yr prison sentence. I was brought to my knees. Around this same time I was drowning myself in vodka every day of my life. At the end I was facing a gallon a week habit. That may not seem like a lot to some but it was A LOT of VODKA for me. I am not a large person. My addict (exhusband) was calling me every day screaming because he was being forced into detox. This was not a fun time for any of us. I remember one phone call he was just horrific....beligerant (sp?).....awful. He was demanding that I promise him that I would wait for him. I was refusing to make that promise and he was very upset and he said something about the hole I would leave in his soul. Something just came to me.....and I told him then that he had been struggling for 20 yrs to fill that hole he talks about with drugs, booze, and women.....now he was trying to fill it with me and I told him very specifically none of those things were ever going to work. I told him that the only thing that could fill that hole is Jesus Christ and until he finds him he would never be happy. I told him that he needed to do what he needed to do for himself whether I waited for him or not.

This is when I started going back to Church. I studied the book of Romans (this scripture saved me from my addiction). Something awoke in me. Little did I know something had awoke in my addict as well. He had gotten on his knees.....he had been brought to his knees.

His mother was dying and he had been locked up about 2 months. We knew the end was near and I was taking care of her. She was dying of breast cancer. I never left her side. It is one of the things I am most proud of in my life. We were told on Friday May 23rd, 2008 that she had very little time left. She took one more round of chemo that day and came home hoping it would give her more time. My addict was in county lock up and was begging for us to bail him out. I had called his PO and had a hold put on him but he thought he could get around it. We got him transferred by posting bail in one county so they would transfer him to the county that had the hold on him (it was the county we live in). We got a letter from the doctor that stated the dire circumstances and our lawyer took off to the court house on the following Thursday. The judge signed the special circumstances bond giving him 4 days home at 4:47 p.m. on Friday May 30th, 2008. These types of things DO NOT happen in this county. Some people are not even released for immediate family funerals. He had no idea any of this was taking place and he had his face stuck in the Bible all day that day. In fact, just before his name was called.....his cellmate came out of chapel in the jail and told him that they had said a prayer for him and at that very moment the CO called his name for release. He came home and laid in the bed with his mother until she died at 12:45 the next day. She was waiting for him. Her husband and 2 sons held her as she took her last breaths. If death could be beautiful......hers was. I have never seen anything that beautiful in my entire life. He was home for her funeral. And he was given a reduced sentence and was home within 6 months.

I know all of these things transpired because of faith. Jesus Christ made all of this possible. I am not perfect, only He is and I struggle most days.....but He walks with me and He talks with me....and He tells me I am his own. I know this was long......but this is just a sample of the 'little things' you asked about......


jg