Man Credits Jesus to 31 Years of Sobriety

NEW JERSEY - Jesus Christ has the power to set us free in every sense of the word! Just ask John.

A New Jersey resident (who this article will refer to by first name only) celebrated 31 years of sobriety earlier in February 2024.

John initially found himself addicted to alcohol by trying to fill a void in his heart that other routine things (music, books, school, etc.) could not fulfill. But by the grace of God, and with some help from others, John has spent the past three decades (and counting) completely free from alcohol and reborn in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Recalling his journey, John said, "YHWH (Yahweh, God) led me to people I could trust and lean on and those people led me back to YHWH."

Before making Christ his Savior and getting baptized at 27 years old, John grew up in a Catholic home and observed many of the traditions of that particular church. But those traditions were the only thing emphasized by the church, as opposed to leading people to enter into a direct, real relationship with Christ. The individuals that helped John during his battle with addiction would eventually lead him to a new church that John described positively as, "SO different."

But overcoming addiction and strongholds are not easy and John was no exception - he needed God. He needed Jesus, like all of us do. John said, "I can recall right around 90 days (of sobriety) sitting on the basement floor with a bottle and the phone. I wanted to drink so badly to 'ease' the pain inside me and I wanted to make a call to someone to talk it out. After a bit, God gave me the strength to make that call and not take the drink."

In the same manner that Jesus fought against temptation, God's strength can be found in His Word. It is written that we not only fight physically in this world, but spiritually as well. Therefore, we need a weapon to fight those spiritual battles - the Bible. One scripture that gives John strength to fight this battle against addiction is found in 1 Peter...

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

This key Bible verse in his sobriety awakens us to the reality that we have an enemy. His name is Satan - he is real and he is very active in trying to swallow us in shame and sin. Satan will even use our own family against us. Initially, John's family did not accept his relationship with Jesus as much as they accepted his sobriety.

He said, "They were happy I was not killing myself anymore, but to have a relationship with Christ was more than what they wanted to hear."

To ensure he remained accountable before the LORD, John began pursuing discipleship with other men. He said, "Discipleship is a willingness to have someone walk side by side with you, to speak into each others' lives, and to hold us accountable to what God has called us to do."

Though John participates in secular recovery programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), he recognizes that these programs alone are not enough for any pursuing complete freedom. You see, John was seeking accountability for more than just alcohol addiction - his heart was and is to continue to experience the true freedom that only comes from surrender to the LORD of Lords, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ aims to set us free from earthly chains like alcohol and drugs, but most of all, He wants to liberate us from sin, which impacts each of us, regardless of our behavior. And whether we overcome alcohol or not, we must still have our sins forgiven to realize eternal life with God. As Romans 6:23 states - sin is punishable by death. And nobody, not a single person, is safe from hell until they repent and follow Christ. The Bible plainly says how pervasive sin is...

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Today, John continues his mission in helping others overcome alcohol addiction, but he spends most of that time focusing on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. He is involved in other local missions in areas like Patterson, NJ and continues pursuing discipling relationships with men from his area and within his church.

"God has also shown me more and more how I need those relationships," said John.

---

If you or a friend is struggling with addiction, help is out there.

You can search your internet browser using key phrases like "local addiction help" or "faith based substance abuse recovery." You can also visit sites like addicted.org or contact your local Christian church.

God bless you, and remember that Jesus truly loves you and has changed countless lives. Turn your heart to Him and surrender your life to Him, and He will lead you.

Be blessed.