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Words Aren’t Enough

Impossible

People who haven’t been trapped in an addiction or ingrained sin pattern do not understand its strength. Years of denial, suppression, or acting out create a dynamic that, apart from Christ, render the person powerless. They still bear personal responsibility, but that doesn’t change the fact that all their processes - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual - are badly damaged. It requires a huge spiritual transformation to change course.

You can’t just tell someone struggling in it to “stop it.” It sounds logical and rational but it isn’t for the person trapped. It makes as much sense as telling a drowning person to “stop drowning.” If they can’t swim, they can’t stop drowning. A person in addiction or sin patterns can’t think clearly, emote normally, or respond safely. They are drowning. They are gasping for air and grasping for help. Please don’t tell them to just “stop it.”

Possible 

They need a lifeline. His name is Jesus Christ. His power within changes corrupted thoughts, desires, and drives. He is the Healer, Restorer, and Provider. He makes the old, new. He brings life from death. He wipes out the old, broken places and infuses fresh wholeness. He replaces what was dark and secret with His radiance. The damp, moldy, smelly clay becomes a brilliant vessel in the hands of the Potter.

There is hope for every person until their last breath. His name is Jesus Christ.

Response

If you are trapped, today can be the start of a new life. Go get help! Don’t waste another moment in your prison. Cry out to God and then GO get help. Call someone. Drive somewhere. GO.

If you know someone who is trapped, don’t tell them to “stop it.” They probably want to, but don’t know how. “Stop it” is powerless and frustrating. Jesus Christ is power and motivation. Do all you can to get the person to Him. 

Recovery isn’t easy but neither is crashing from a high, waking up from a black out, or looking in the mirror after demoralizing sex. At least the painful road to recovery is leading some where new, whereas the pain of unrepentant sin is only more of the same and worse.

Wholeness in Christ is worth whatever it takes. “Start it.” 

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Ezekiel 36:26-27

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  • February 21, 2012
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Comments

Tamara
On 02/22/2012

Hi Lyn, I so appreciate your post - thank you for sharing! I can’t help but think of Whitney Houston and her struggles with addiction. I’ve watched loved ones struggle and years ago I struggled with an eating disorder. And I agree, anyone dealing with an addiction can’t just “stop it.”

Blessings to You. <3

Lyn
On 02/22/2012

Tamara,
Thank you for your comments. Whitney Houston’s story certainly has addiction front and center on the news these days. So many people either have struggled or are struggling. It’s an important ongoing topic that needs a lot of truth brought to it. I’m glad to hear you are no longer in bondage to an eating disorder. Praise God!

Amanda Beth
On 02/22/2012

Powerful message, Lyn! When I was destroying my marriage, my husband would often say, “Why can’t you just stop!” I wanted to change, and even tried to change, but I couldn’t. It took a surrender to Jesus for Him to change me. He’s the only one who can change us and set us free.

I was just reading Psalm 6:1-9 a few minutes ago:

“O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.”


I’m praying for all those who need to be set free from something today. God is our deliverer! Thanks for the wonderful message. God bless you:)

jim sheard
On 02/23/2012

Lyn
This post about addiction issues is so right on. When we are into our addiction we are so much in denial that we cannot see the pain we are causing ourselves and others. I have found a supportive understanding group of people in Celebrate Recovery the Christ based program developed under Rick Warren at Saddleback. Surprisingly I found that there are local groups in many churches around the country…search the words Celebrate Recovery.

Truly, “the truth shall set you free.” The truth about yourself and the truth in the word is the path to freedom.

Jim


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Lyn possesses and has exhibited vital leadership qualities. She is appropriately confident in the gifts God has given to her and is willing to use them in whatever manner the Lord directs. I believe that you have a woman who can become one of your favorite speakers to work with!

Marty Brown
Teaching Pastor
Heritage Baptist Church

Lyn touched our hearts in so many ways during her visit to the Table Rock Freedom Center. Each girl walked away with a new perspective on dealing with the pain of their addictions. She was authentic and full of grace. We can’t wait to have her back.

Sundi Jo Graham
Table Rock Freedom Center

I feel like I sat at Jesus’ feet and heard from Him.

You were funny, articulate, engaging, as well as transparent. Your message resonated with so many of our women, and I love how you wove both Biblical stories and your own personal experiences throughout.

Marci Kitowski
Director of Women's Ministries
Calvary Temple Church

From Lyn’s message, I learned that instead of dwelling on past sin, I can make it victorious in my life. I can conquer these things in my life. I feel empowered today!