When we came to the realization that we were powerless over our dependencies and that our life had become unmanageable we knew then that we needed help. We had to separate ourselves from what we were doing and from the friends who were involved in the same behaviour. We had to seek help from those who were committed to helping us get our lives back on track. In an effort to break free we sought out detox centers, recovery houses and other sources of help.
At this stage some of us wondered if we would ever have the power to overcome our addictive behaviour. The truth is, none of us have this type of power of ourselves. We will have power to overcome only when we accept the truth that there is a Higher Power at work around us. This Higher Power sought us out and offered us new life through Jesus Christ.
If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God’s testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God’s own testimony regarding his Son. This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life. My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. (1 John 5:9-13 MSG)
Jesus said that He was sent into the world not to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved. He offered His body to carry our sins to the cross so that we could be free from them. All the sins committed against us and by us were stamped “Paid in Full”, therefore, we have been freed from the bondage of the debt of sin. When slaves to sin are given their freedom some may not know how to start a new life. Jesus understood this and asked for the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. He is the muscle power within us to change our lives.And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 NIV)
The word of God is true and the new life He offers through His beloved son Jesus is a reality many have come to attest to. Many can tell of the night-and-day difference He made in them—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. Take heart, for the one who once denied Jesus, attests to this: For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)
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