Freedom From Addiction - Partnership

Last week I challenged you to examine your life for things that are getting between you and God. This week, it's time to start taking a look at what you can do about the problem you have identified.

The thing about an addiction is that by definition you are unable to control it in your life. If you were able to control the problem, you would already have permanently eliminated it the last time you felt God prompting you to deal with it. Your best efforts are not enough to bring you purity in your walk with God.

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Matthew 18:19-20 - “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

In these verses, we are directed to pursue God (and the things that please him) in the company of others. When we strive together with someone else, not only do we find that our efforts are magnified through the assistance of that other person, but we also find that God himself gives us his power. There is nothing that can stand against God's power!

God did not design us to fight our battles alone. He created us to be in relationship to him and to our fellow believers. A good early step in finding freedom from your addiction is to find someone else to fight with. This should be someone who will be able to understand you and relate to what you are struggling with. This may be a close friend. It may be a spouse. It may be your pastor, or another trusted leader at your church.

If you can not think of someone that you trust and can ask for help, then you need to begin praying that God will bring someone into your life that will help you in your fight. God will answer. He will provide if you seek him.

Once you have a partner, it's time to be open and honest. Your partner can pray for (and with) you. They can challenge you to take steps that will lead to growth. They can bring to your attention problems that need to be dealt with. They can be a comfort when you feel alone in your struggle. They can seek God with you.

This week, start looking for a partner to stand with you. Begin to pray that God brings the right person into your life to join with you as you seek to draw closer to God.