Overcoming: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

The Brokenness of Addiction

When they hear the word "addict," the first image to pop into most people's heads would be a junkie, slowly destroying himself with his needle. Really, though, there are many kinds of addictions. People are chained to all kinds of destructive compulsive behaviors--eating disorders, adulterous or homosexual sex, drugs, gambling, and many more. Some people don't know how to stop; others have lost their desire to stop. All compulsive sinful lifestyles are bad and have the ability to keep people from their Savior.

What to do? Realize first of all that Jesus loves addicted people unconditionally. Who more than an addict can appreciate God's grace? Before an addicted person can believe in herself again, it sure helps to realize that God thinks she's worth saving.

Second, God refuses to let people think that their situation is hopeless. St. Paul wrote, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? . . . Sin shall not be your master" (Romans 6:2,14). God and his Word and Supper are mightier than your compulsions, and his arms are long enough to reach down into your pit, no matter how deep you've dug it. It's never too late--come back to Daddy's arms today!