Marti Martin
I work with broken people most every day and they come in all varieties. Some have no place to live and others live in mansions. Most of them are wonderful people that have lost their passion for life. They don’t want to be stuck in a negative life cycle but they no longer know who they are. Too many setbacks in life from bad circumstances have sent them on a downward spiral. Without the emotional capacity to recover they began to look for ways to check out and forget the hurt.
They search for happiness going from one relationship to another, sex with whoever, pornography, perversions, pills, alcohol abuse, anything that provides an escape from their situation. I like to call it the “go to”, that which helps them temporarily relieve pain or forget their issues. So many people don’t realize they have a “go to” that they have learned to lean on when the pressure is too much carry. It’s like a retreat where they forget about things they believe they can’t fix or will never be able to change.
What starts out so innocently can later grow into a ball and chain of addiction that alters their thinking and behavior. It can lead them to do crazy things they would typically never think of doing. The personality change is profound, those closest to them see it but sadly they can’t see it in themselves. Tragically, I’ve seen people lose family, homes, friends, jobs, life savings and then ultimately spend the rest of their lives trying to get free from their “go to”.
I regularly pray for people who are sick and suffering, some with extremely serious health issues. But lately I felt the Lord lead me to pray for those who unintentionally have fallen victim to these habitual methods of escape. I don’t believe anyone started out planning to become an addict. Many have been deceived into believing they can stop or it’s only for one more day or week, never thinking about the long term consequences.
If you or someone you know fits this unhealthy profile, I encourage you to make a new “go to” with Psalms 107, rewrite it with your name and begin proclaiming your freedom. You may need to take additional steps with professional help down the road but I’m just asking you to start somewhere. The worst thing anyone can do is stay in the dark and do nothing. Don’t be afraid to face it, you won’t be alone. I’m so moved to help people because I see in my spirit they’re someone’s daughter or son, they’re someone’s husband, wife or brother or sister. They’re really good people with great gifts and talents and I know they can overcome. Many have family praying and crying out to God on their behalf and I believe the time for freedom is now!
By the time I get to many of these people they are ready to deal with their issues, but only after a long path of loss and destruction. Please don’t wait until you bottom out to get help, I encourage you to take steps today. When I step into a room to speak I look around and see so much untapped potential. Most everyone is looking for freedom to express their life passion. They want to learn once again how to feel good after a hard days work. They want to know they’re a contributor to society and worthy to be valued. If only there was some preventive formula that could change them. The only antidote that I know that can reverse it all is Jesus. Join me and praying for those struggling with addictions.
COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS:
