PRISON MINISTRY - RECOVERY

If you were addicted to drugs or alcohol prior to entering prison, don't be surprised if certain people, places, and things trigger a drug or alcohol craving when you get out.  No…. it doesn't mean you are not saved - only that your old nature (or flesh) has been stirred up by memories from the past.  To help you get a better handle on your recovery, it is good to be informed about God's perspective on addition and the addictive life-style. It's in the Bible.  Read Romans 7: 15-20, 8:5; Ephesians 2: 1-3, and 1 John 2:16. 

God understands the conflict that goes on inside of you as you try to break free from this sin and provides you with the power to break free.  "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  2 Corinthians 7:1.

In Hebrews God teaches us to strip off anything that slows us down…and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around us and trip us up.  Read Hebrews 12: 1b.  this sounds like addition to me!

In Galatians God talks to you about feelings or cravings that cause a conflict within you and encourages you to live instead by the Spirit.  Read Galatians 5: 16-18.  You do have the power to accomplish this!  God explains that as you stand firm in your commitment to abstain from the temptation to use again, He will provide you a way to defeat those cravings. Read 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13. God has given you self-control so you can beat this thing.  Read Galatians 5: 22.  As a recovering Christian you have been given this fruit of the Spirit - it's yours to use. 

The power to maintain victory in your recovery will depend on your prayer time with the Lord.  The best recovery plan available to you is God's plan.  You need to search daily the scriptures and apply them to your life.  As you study your Bible, and get to know Him better and know more about who your God is, your love for Him will grow. This love then urges you on to talk with God through prayer as often as possible, asking Him to help you please Him.

Study of God's Word and Prayer are the two things that bring growth in your life and the power to defeat your addition.  Become involved in as much Christian fellowship as you can - this will strengthen you..  Did you know that God has His own AA program?  It is called "Absolute Abstinence".  Read Proverbs 23: 29-35. 

To defeat the temptation to drink or do drugs again, memorize scriptures that will remind you of the bondage of alcohol and drugs.  "Who has woe?  Who has sorrow?…those who linger long at the wine."  Read Proverbs 23: 29-30(NKJ).