The Real Answer to AddictionSample

C. S. Lewis said, “Pain insists on being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, he speaks in our conscience, but he shouts in our pain. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

When many first become Christians, they have the false impression that everything will now go well for them in every aspect of life and suffering will be eliminated. The Bible does have some promises of prosperity, but Jesus also promises we will suffer. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12). God does not promise you an easy life on this side of eternity, but He does promise He will be with you through it all and He will be enough regardless of your circumstances. 

We will all experience internal and external pain on this side of eternity, but there are some benefits of suffering that will allow us to suffer well.

1- Intimacy

One of my mentors has said, “The Christian life is a series of mountain peaks and deep valleys. The mountain peaks are where you get to see God, but the valleys are where you get to know Him.” I’ve found this to be true throughout my Christian journey. When I am in the pit, I experience desperation for God and my intimacy with Him expands. Earthly pain is not opposed to joy in God; sometimes it’s actually a catalyst for more joy in Him.

2- Growth

The other incredible thing to point out about mountaintops and valleys is not much grows on top of a mountain, but the most fertile soil is typically in the deepest valleys. God sometimes allows pain to come into our lives to plant new things that will give us more abundant life in the future.

3- Purpose

God is the master of taking awful circumstances and using them to help others. Whatever your pain, God can use it to help others. Rather than playing the victim role, you can echo Joseph’s reaction to extreme pain. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

4- Eternal Life

Maybe the most encouraging thing to focus on amid pain and suffering is the reality of eternal life. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). One fragment of a second in the presence of God is going to be worth decades of intense suffering. The sublime joy of heaven and life in the new earth is going to make every moment of suffering worth it.

When you face hard times, both internally and externally, you have a choice. You can either run back to the porn, pills, or a pipe to numb your pain for a minute or you can fight to keep your eyes on Jesus. Running to your addiction will satisfy for a moment but end in more pain and destruction. Running to God will increase your intimacy, grow you spiritually, give you massive purpose, and fill you with hope for everlasting joy. Following Jesus is not easy, but it’s worth it.

APPLICATION

• What are the hardest things happening in your life right now, both internally and externally? How are you currently dealing with these pain points?
• Based on what we’ve discussed, how can you cultivate more intimacy with Jesus during hard times?
• How could you use your pain to help someone else today or in the near future?
• Is there anything in your life where you are not following God’s will because you think you know better? How can you surrender that to Him today?