Five years ago, Jesus delivered me from my 23-year habit of drugs. I had more than one drug of choice in my life, but the main one was pot.
I started smoking pot at the age of 13 and after 15, I don’t remember too many days that I went without it. If I was unable to find it for a short period of time because the town was “dry”, I would do something else to numb myself, usually get drunk. Basically, for 23 years, I did some sort of mind-altering, mood-altering substance every day.
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 AMP
My life was messed up; I was in and out of relationships, marriages and affairs. I used men and drugs to fill the space inside of me that only God could fill. I was practicing idolatry, putting these things above God in my life. I thought I could fix things myself: I tried several methods of self-improvement, I read books, listened to tapes, and attended workshops. I strived, I mean I REALLY STRIVED, I worked and used all the energy I had until I gave up. Then I’d shame myself for failing and get up the energy and try again. I was trying to change my character traits, my behaviors, the circumstances of my life, and my unhappiness. But I was looking in all the wrong places. For more details see my testimony, Prodigal Daughter at restforyoursoul.org
“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 CSB
I became a Christian in December of 1994, yet I didn’t quit drinking or doing drugs until August 1996.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” II Corinthians 3:18 NKJV
I had been praying God would help me quit drugs, but then I would be afraid and add to my prayer “but please don’t let me get busted!” God is good, He delivered me and I wasn’t busted.
There’s an old hymn titled “He Touched Me”. The words describe exactly what happned to me: Jesus touched my life, something happened and I was changed. He touched me and made me whole.
(Due to the length of this story it will be continued in my next article entitled “Freeze Tag”)
September 6, 2001
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