I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST
When I was still a baby Christian, I struggled with many issues from the past. Some of these bad habits carried over into my new life in Christ. I hated myself for them, but the LORD gently reminded me that I was a work in progress; personal transformation takes time.
One of these carry-over sins was my addiction to cigarettes. One day my Christian mother posted the following Bible promise on my wall: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13. She said, “Son, trust that Jesus can give you the power to quit smoking. Pray and ask Him to help you.” Shortly thereafter, I decided it was time to let cigarettes go. It was a smelly, dirty, and expensive habit. Most importantly, smoking was harmful to my body, which was the temple and habitation of God.
I decided one day to quit “cold turkey.” No slowly cutting down, or nicotine patches for me. I threw my latest pack of marlboro’s away. The first 24 hours of withdrawal were the hardest. My body and mind screamed with agony! I was depriving my body of nicotine addiction – a drug-like substance – which I had ingested every day since I was sixteen years old. But I was determined to tough it out. I held on to my faith and constantly prayed for Christ to give me strength, and He did.
As the days passed, it became easier to abstain. After two weeks of not smoking, I finally felt some relief. I praised and thanked Jesus for delivering me! It’s been over 30 years now since I have been tobacco-free.
Today, if you’re struggling with any kind of addiction, remember to pray and ask Jesus Christ to set you free. Commit yourself to God’s promise of help and power, and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
- Luis Joseph Castle
4JESUS OUTREACH MINISTRIES
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