If you didn’t get a chance to read my devotion, When Your Mess Becomes your Message, you can do so by clicking on the title.
Addiction is one of the most important problems facing this country today. Most of us probably know someone who has a problem with substance abuse, be it alcohol, illicit drugs, or medications. One of the flaws of our culture is the importance it puts on using mood- altering chemicals or experiences to normalize life. We are constantly conditioned by advertising to look for material solutions to emotional and spiritual problems. A perfume or new car will make one desirable. A vacation to Hawaii is needed to relax. Buy some new clothes of fine material and chase away the blues.
On the contrary, the use of the material world to satisfy our needs isn’t the problem. The problem is the false dependency which the mind can create in response to substances which are palliative or pleasurable. This is especially true with mood-altering chemicals. There is evidence some of us may have a genetic weakness which makes us vulnerable to addictive behavior. Others see it as the result of a harmful social environment. Whatever the reason for the arising of addictive behavior, no one ever starts out with the goal of becoming dependent on alcohol or tobacco. Most insidious addictions begin with pleasure or relief from pain. As the behavior is repeated and the emotional payoff is reinforced, the brain forms strong internal patterns of attachment. With each intoxication, the habit becomes stronger and stronger.
How do I know?
My brother was addicted. Tomorrow, check out my interviw with him and read about His amazing tansformation.
In the meantime…
If you’d like to leave the name of the person you’re praying for in the comment section, I’ll join you in prayer.
“Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed!”
Micca Campbell—Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care
susan says
Please pray for my son Chris for transformation and salvation. That he surrenders, repents and accepts the grace of forgiveness.
At the moment he has no job or loving partner and is full of regret and self doubt.He definitely needs encouragement.
Thankyou Susan x
phaynes80 says
I need extra prayer if possible! I am struggling with a heavy addiction since the age of 14! I am 29 now! As of now, I am addicted to tobacco, alcohol, marajuana, and just started using meth! In the past, I have been addicted to powder cocaine, rock cocaine, and ectasy! I have been to like 20 treatment centers, but I continue failing! A few years back, I was drinking so much my liver stopped functioning and I turned real yellow! I was put in the hospital for 2 wks. I almost died! Then I overdosed on powder cocaine and almost died! The thing called addiction is very real! It is a bondage! I know how good GOD is! It seems as when the more I try to get close to Him, the devil is that much harder on me! I was raised up in church till I was 10! That is when my parents got a divorce, and we all just stopped going! Like ur brother, if it all played out right, I shouldn't even be living right now! I am struggling so hard right now! As I said, I do know that GOD is good and can heal me! I try reading my Bible everyday and attend church and like I said earier, the devil is that much harder on me! I am so tired of being tired! I have tried suicide before, (a couple of times) due to my addiction. Feeling hopeless all the time, sometimes it feels as if that is the way out! I do know that all things are possible through GOD! And He is the true healer! Please say a extra prayer for me! I know without a shadow of doubt, GOD is going to heal me!!!
Regie says
Please help me pray for my husband, Johnny. Somewhere along the way of life he has gotten wrong information about selling out and living for God.
He will go with me to church and put on a face or front that he is on fire for God and then when things get tough he will run off and stay gone for days getting high. I want him to know Jesus the way I know do… by having a relationship with him not just in name.
Elaine says
Please pray for my son David who has an addiction to alcohol. It's a long hard journey!
J says
Good morning Micca,
This encouragement couldn't come @ a better time. I ask that a prayer be made for Zubah my partner of 13 years. We have two wonderful boys together 1 and 4 and Zubah has been missing for 3 weeks and has been struggling with drug addiction for 6 years now..to know that your own. Brother spent 20 years struggling with a drug addition and although it was 20 years he was redeemed by Christ. I pray for Zubah daily and appreciate agreement for his recovery. God bless
Kim says
Please pray for my nephew, Gary
Regina says
Please pray for my husband Paul. He is a 20yr crack addict. He recently had 2 strokes due to the addiction. He now says he is changed, that he no longer desires the drug and is attending church. He does seem different but I don't trust him. We were seperated due to the drug use when the strokes occurred. I do love him and want things to work out but I just don't trust it anymore, I have many family members who are addicted to one thing or another and I just don't trust that the changes are real as I've seen temporary ones all too often.
Jodi says
Please Pray for Jodi.
God Bless!
praying mom says
Please pray for my son who is using drinking to cover and deal with his hurts. Please pray for surrender to the Lord and healing.
Amy says
My husband Austin, he looks to material things to fulfill him and when that didn't work he left me for someone else. This is it's own form of addiction and works in the same way, and all I can do is trust God and surrender it all to Him
Amy says
Please pray for my nephew Scott who is trying to overcome a drug addiction. Thank you.
mfleeman says
pray for Vickie who battles her past hurts and alcoholism. Pray that God will save her, heal her hurts, addictions and restore her to her family.
Dana says
Please pray for Eric. Pray that he will return to God and be a mighty worker for God's glory. That he will be delivered from whatever his past has held over him and can lay down all addictions. I'm praying for all of you. Please pray for my son. Our God is able to deliver all of our requests!!!
Love in Christ,
Dana
jgebhardt says
thank you for this, I am also fighting the battle of addiction, It has ruined my life as well as my families. Every morning I get up and read these devotions and this today has helped me tremendously. I have been clen this time since dec 18, with 1 short relapse. I find have a much easier time when I stay in prayer and obedience
Janice says
Please pray for my sister Cathy who has an addiction to drugs.
Colleen says
Micca,
What great joy and praise come from your family for your brother's renewed life and salvation! Thank you for celebrating that with us!
Unfortunately, my brother's story did not have a happy ending. He died near 20 years ago after battling addiction for many years of his life. My father died of alcoholism when I was 17, more than 30 years ago. I still feel the losses.
I believe that addiction is hereditary, though environmental factors do weigh in, and do so personal choices. I have seen it in my family. My sister and I have battled our addictions and won. Mine was definitely won through the power of God. He just took the desire away from me. It's been two years now! Praise be to God!
For phaynes80, I pray that you will find a good counselor who will lead you to a strong life away from addiction. It will require daily work, but your love of the Lord will give you that strength. Please, please get help, and find a Christian counselor who will help you find the real life that God has planned for you. It is waiting for you and God is waiting to show you the way!
My brother died from an accidental overdose of methamphetamines. Don't think it can't happen to you. You CAN find a new life. A NEW LIFE in God. I'll be praying for you!
Daughter of the King says
Two sons addicted to alcohol Brett & Jacob. Daughter-in-law addicted to socializing, Tonya.
Pamela (His maidservant) says
My friends husband Jim-he has been in recovery for just over one year and is now in ministry helping others. He needs continued God-strength and God-fidence as He is a new Christian and eager to show others to God. It is so amazing to see God working in and through him.
Thanks!
In his Graces~Pamela
Bridget says
Please pray for my brother, Lynwood. He is going to lose his children if he doesn't get help soon. Thank you for sharing your brother's story…it is so encouraging.
nikki says
Please pray for my cousin Tony. He is a recovering addict, but needs strength to continue his journey. He is also going through the addiction recovery ministry through our church. Please pray for strength and the power to totally surrender to the Lord, and favor with family members to accept him, forgive him and love him!
Heather says
I have been praying for my brother for the exact same saving by Christ that has happened to your brother.
In Christ,
Heather
Kat says
Please pray for my friend, Jami Karst, age 30. She is in prison for prescription drugs and is seeking the Lord as we exchange emails. Pray for her salvation and complete recovery from drug addiction, as well as the long road ahead of her when she gets out and tries to get her 3 children back. Thank you for your brother's story and testimony! I wish Jami could meet him!!!
Kat says
To phaynes80, please know today that you are valuable beyond measure and loved by your Creator God. God has preserved your life for a purpose and it's time for you to live it out. He has someone, a professional counselor just for you, to help you, along with the power of His Spirit and His Word. I want you to know that today I am committed to praying for you every week, for God to bring complete victory to your life!
danni_marie says
Please pray for my Mom, JoAnn, and my Dad, Paul. They are addicted to cigarettes, and it harms me and my sister not only physically if you think of second hand smoke…But MOST of all EMOTIONALLY! It also hurts them very much so when it to their deteriorating health. If you pray for them. It will be much appreciated!!! God Bless you!
Love, Danielle
Jeanies Heavenly Treasures says
Micca,
What a powerful message today! That is so Awesome about your brothers recovery! I can't wait to read the interview with him!
I too have a family member. My brother Jeff who has been addicted to drugs for 33 yrs! Also, now alcohol. Also, my Mom, for alcohol addiction for most of her life!
Please, pray for salvation, deliverance, and the breaking the bondages over these lives.
I have prayed for each of these prayer requests on here. I serve an Amazing God! He can move mountains, so He can do this for each of you or your loved ones!
Blessings,
Jeanie
ella says
Thank you for your message today.I need extra prayer today. Recent surgery on my back is taking longer to heal. I need patience to wait for God;s timing. Actually I am praising God today as the pain is much reduced.
Susan says
My son Jay and his addiction to drugs. He also has a terrible anger problem. Both of these are causing him to lose his family.
Micca says
Dear Lord, we trust that you are MIGHTY to save! I pray for each person today that has responded and for those who have not. May the course of their lives be in your hands and your power alone. Deliver them from the power of the enemy, from their stronghold of addictions, from their fears, doubt, and persecutors. Show your favor, Lord. Save each one by the power of your love and mercy. In Jesus Name, a-men.
Susan says
I forgot to add that things really came to a head last night in regard to my son's addiction and anger. I was very distressed all night and today. Just now I went to my Facebook account to read devotionals thinking maybe God had something for me there. I have to smile because He certainly did. Thank you for sharing – so glad your devotion ran today.
CATHY says
Please pray for my daughter Rachel who's spiritual eyes have been blinded and currently held captive by drkness and spiritual wickedness in high places. My prayer for her and all others on this blog who share in the same pain of watching the ones we love live in destruction is: "that the Veil of darkness would be removed by the power and authority of Jesus Christ – That His truth would be poured out into every corner of their hearts and their minds be illuminated and awakened from the dead. I plead the blood of Christ over every name mentioned on this blog and those who will be mentioned in the future that Christ would reign authority in their heart and the enemy be cast down! That God would empower them to step out of the darkness and into His Glorious light and the enemy of their soul be defeated once and for all!" Revelation 12:ll "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and loved not their own life unto death." God bless all my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! Keep up the faith as we hold each one up in prayer.
Darcy says
Please pray for my good friend Cody…he lives in Texas and belongs to the 2X2 cult and is addicted to alcohol. I know his severe depression and addictive behavior comes from not knowing Jesus as his personal Saviour. He has been taught all his life that you must work for salvation, and there is no real assurance of it. I can't even imagine living like that. Thank you so much for your prayers.
loridcox says
Please pray for my son TJ. Like Barry he suffers from drug addiction. He is in jail serving a sentence connected to drugs. My prayer request is for a Godly man in enter into his life to be a mentor. He feels unworthy of God's love, grace and mercy.
Katherine says
please pray for me. I'm turning 21 this week and I struggle with abusing all types of substances to be free of difficult feelings. Now I have more access when I choose. It's tough to just let God help me- I'm not sure I know how.
Thanks
laura says
Please pray for my sister Lisa.She is on drugs and needs help!! She has 3 little girls that need mommy back. I know the power of prayer. Please also pray for God to use me. May she see Jesus and not me.
Phaynes80 I will be praying for you!!!
ChosenInHisCare says
Thank you so much for sharing your brother's testimony; I am experiencing that with my brother now. I truly believe God will do it for him too. Thanks again! The part about going from homeless to home owner, I receive that for my sons too. God bless you!
Larra says
I pray that God will heal all those here that need His help.
settingcaptivesfree.com new wine course helped me overcome 25 years worth of addiction to alcohol. Praise God!
Ann Salas says
Please pray for my brother who is doing a long sentence for drugs (Heroin)Because of his long sentences, he has become part of the prison culture and now faces addtional charges…rackettering, and other things you read in the paper, his son who went in for the same addiction,he was stealing to get his fix, and after two years in the Texas correction fac. came out with all these tatoos all over his head and face. It really hurts to know he will have a very hard time trying to make a living. Jr. has the mentality of prison life, he is 26 and has three kids. Please pray for Laz, 6, Jay 7, and Sheyanne 3. That the Lord covers them with his blood and keeps them safe and far away from the drugs that have plagued their grandfather and father.
rose says
Prayer is needed for John to feel God's love for him and hopefully he will be touched and choose to follow God's will for his life which he has so far done very badly in making decision re: drugs, alcohol and crime. I pray he will become spiritually awake and aware that there truly is a spiritual life here on earth and we all need to connect with it if we want a beautiful useful life – not a selfish, self-absorbed existence. He is not just hurting himself and putting himself in danger when he's using drugs but I'm sure it pains God and I know it hurts the people around him when he is using drugs and living for self and immediate pleasure and self-gratification.