Struggling to Stay Clean and Sober? It's Hard but Worth it
by Lydia Najera(49)Even as a new Christian, I some times forget that just because a person believes in Jesus Christ and has Him in their heart and soul, doesn't mean that life is cherry's and cream. Bad things happen to good people as well as the bad people. If we did not have bad times what makes me think that there could even be good times, because we would have nothing to compare the two.
I know that I tend to forget Christ died on the cross for all of our sins not just for one or two but ALL, no matter what the sin may be. I am learning that I am able to give grace to others when they do something wrong, but when it comes to myself I am the worse punisher there is. The Lord said that is it not my place to judge that it is His place to judge so why am I judging myself and punishing myself for something that has already pass and that I have already been forgiven for? I need to stop and ask the Lord what He wants for me this day and this day only.
Jesus also said all that I have to do is ask and it shall be answered but I have to stop and think, is it really what I am going to want? Some times when he does give it to me, I don’t know what to do with it at all. Then I am left asking myself why I asked. As I write to tell my life stories and struggles, I realize it’s harder than I thought it would be because I had forgotten all of the pain that went with them because I covered the pain by self medicating. Therefore, the pain triples at times, emotionally and physically. It’s hard, but it is worth it.
I have been clean from Crack Cocaine for 1 year as of August 14, 2009. It is the longest I have ever been clean in my life. I am 45 years old. I was eight when I started using drugs.
I am a new person in Christ, freed from sin and the bondage of drugs, but the reality is, the old lifestyle tugs at my mind and my body. Sometimes bringing depression that is hard to shake. Nevertheless, I know that God is gracious and He sees me through, and I know that the longer I know Him, the easier it will get. So for now, it is hard, but it is worth it.
Are you struggling to remain drug free? If you are a Christian, gather around your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are fighting this battle all alone, please reach out to God, He is waiting with open arms to set you free and give you a new life. It will be hard at first, but it will be worth it. There is joy in watching God fill your heart with new desires and heal your old wounds that led you to drugs in the first place. Trust me. I know and I understand, but more importantly is that God understands and He loves you no matter what you have done.
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soles. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)
“Therefore for if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Call on Jesus today and experience freedom and strength for a healthy and victorious way of life.
God bless you,
Lydia Najera
Article submitted Sunday, August 30, 2009 & read 884 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Anonymous (199 days 18 hours ago.)
Hi Lydia, thank you for this very honest yet encouraging message. It is true, we have freedom from our past no matter what it is and the key is not trying to go it alone. Lord bless you for your willing to expose your flaws so that others in the same boat may have hope. I pray thousands come across this word and are encouraged to spend more time seeking the Lord. TeresaRespond to this comment
» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle Washington (199 days 16 hours ago.)
Thank you Teresa for your honesty and It is my pleaser to do Gods work. Even though it is showing my flaws it is what God wants from to help others to do the same thing.Lydia
Respond to this comment
» left by Marijo Phelps(387)(199 days 16 hours ago.)
Thanks Lydia for sharing your heart within this piece! Lord, please draw my sister especially close to you today - let her feel that hug! Bless her and help her to stay tightly wrapped within your arms! AMEN MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle, Washington (199 days 15 hours ago.)
Thank you so very much for your comment Marijo it is heart filling to you words for me .
Respond to this comment
» left by Mary Ann Parker from Oregon (198 days 5 hours ago.)
Hi Lydia, it's Mary Ann, your cousin. I can totally relate to the part where you said it is easy to encourage or forgive others, but when it comes to yourself you are the hardest judge. I do the same thing, but I am getting better, God is showing me how much I am loved and I am not any lower or less deserving of God's love than anyone else. Thank God for what he is doing in your life and in mine. This is a good message for people like us. Good job. love you, MaryAnnRespond to this comment
» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle, Washington (198 days 3 hours ago.)
Thank you MaryAnn, because this means so much to me and I am really blessed to have you back in my life. Just remember that we are doing Gods work. Love Lydia
Respond to this comment
73-1-0-1-1-ADSO