You are more than a conqueror

Have you ever battled addiction? It’s a bear, isn’t it? We’re going to start a new series this week to help you or someone you love overcome addictions. 

Let’s face the facts—everyone contends with trials, temptations, and setbacks. Emotionally healthy people still have tough times. The Bible says, “‘that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’” (Matthew 5:45, NKJV) Isn’t that comforting?

Millions of people cope with trials or trauma by using drugs, alcohol, pain killers, food, or sex. Addictions are a serious problem, but I’ve always taught clients that addictions are a coping mechanism for troubles that are much more serious. We will start this journey to freedom from addiction with a firm foundation of health. Rather than escape our addictions, we have to learn how to cope with life’s trials. 

friend, do you remember this song by Lynn Anderson? “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden, along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain some time.” Is this your personal philosophy?

Emotional health requires we believe this primary principle of life: bad things happen to good people and also to bad people. This may sound pretty basic, but I’ve met many Christians who believe they should be impervious to hardship. Job’s counselors had this type of theology. They claimed that Job had sin in his life. They saw all his troubles and concluded that God was punishing him.

friend, that theology might help people feel self-righteous for a while, but when trouble comes, they won’t be ready. I prefer to prepare myself for tough times. I’ve often repeated my dad’s saying: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I’m sure he wasn’t the first to say it, but he said it a lot. The book of Romans reveals great faith: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37, NKJV) 

You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. You are a warrior for God. You will overcome all obstacles, trials, and addictions. You were designed by God to do great exploits. Hardship is not a sign you have sin in your life—it’s a sign you are on the right track with God. Be encouraged and believe that you’re a miracle.