Dear Readers,
I normally run this testimony on the anniversary week that it happened. But I feel like someone needs this encouragement today. Please share this good news with someone…
Back in January 2009, I confessed to you to a serious habit that I had kept for most of my life. Yes, kept, catered to, and even encouraged, a Cigarette addiction.
As I had expressed at that time, I believed that God had put it into my heart to put them down. And the more and more I read the Word of God, I was convinced!
There are many scriptures in the Bible to support this but this one passage was enough for me … “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:17.
I am a firm believer in taking the whole Word of God into context when it comes to interpretation. But again, there are MANY scriptures to support the fact that God hates sin and Jesus paid for all of our sins. But if we keep doing things that are harmful to us or others, Satan will have free access to “steal, kill and bring destruction” into our lives.
My mind was made up to quit smoking. So I did.
Many, many times over the next several weeks. It seemed the more I tried, the harder it became. It was all I thought about, constantly! Got to quit. Want to quit. From dusk to dawn it was ever present on my mind.
It was a valiant effort but I forgot one “small” detail. I didn’t really include Jesus in this plan of attack. Oh I prayed but not a prayer of faith, more of a feeble, “Oh, Lord why is this so hard, people quit all the time, why can’t I?” Sniff, Sniff.
One day, I had just thrown away “another” half consumed pack with disgust and resolve to walk away when the Lord spoke to my heart, “What are you doing?”
I replied, “I am fighting this addiction Lord.”
“My child, you are already delivered. Go to My Word.” That is all He said.
Hmmm, I didn’t feel delivered. But I opened my Bible and began to read … and write.
I wrote every scripture down that pertained to healing and deliverance. And over the next few months I began to fight for my life using the Word of God because, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds …”
So began the spiritual battle of this Believer … “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” “Carefully considering what is acceptable to the Lord.” “Putting to death the deeds of the flesh” in the name of Jesus Christ. “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” And many more, plastered all over my house, work, car.
“He will keep in perfect peace, all those who trust in Him, whose THOUGHTS TURN OFTEN to the LORD.” What truth!!!!!
I would even recite “I am a child of God, a non-smoker,” while I smoked. I know some people that would have a “religious cow” at the thought of praying to our Lord or reading Bible verses while we smoke or drank or anything else. ( I use to be one of them.) But we are no surprise to God, He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He KNOWS what/who He is getting when we call out His name. It is my testimony that it was only AFTER I brought the addiction to the Cross and let His Light shine Mercy and Grace on it that the Holy Spirit could work with me.
Now even though I couldn’t tell in the midst of it- God was changing me on the inside. “How a man thinks in his heart so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
For 33 years I had thought like a smoker and identified myself as a smoker, and with other smokers. It is true that I was now stretching a pack to last 2-3 days but I still couldn’t quite walk away, I still had the taste for them … until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.
I brought a pack early that morning. Smoked three cigarettes then headed for a church service.
In the middle of church the Holy Spirit began to deal with the real issue. Not convicting me as a “sinner” because all of my sins have been paid for. But I was reminded (shaken to the core was more like it) how God feels about us and how much it hurts him to see His children abusing themselves, laying a path that can only lead to destruction and death.
“The goodness of God leads men to repentance.”
With a Godly sorrow I was reminded what Jesus suffered for me on the Cross and what precious price was paid for my ransom. Suddenly, I felt like a knife entered my heart and cut the root/demonic spirit of that addiction leave my body! For the first time since I was 13 years old, I no longer craved cigarettes. Praise God!
After 33 years, I knew that I would never smoke again.
Now, the miracle continued, my lungs were instantly healed, and the “smoker’s cough” was gone in that moment. I could take a deep breath without a coughing fit! I had NO withdrawals at all. And after 16 years I still have no desire to even be near tobacco. Jesus Christ truly delivered me from that cigarette addiction on Sunday, January 11,2009. He circumcised my heart” with His grace and love and I am forever changed, humbled and grateful.
Now, I know lots of people quit smoking by many other devices and I say whatever it takes for you to put to death a real killer. Do it without delay!!!!!
But Supernatural deliverance is a complete package, and permanent condition with adverse side effects. On that note, I lost 3 lbs. in two week’s after quitting. You see, He filled a need in my heart where I had outsourced for it in the past. No need to fill it now with another habit. So there will remain a “NO VACANCY” sign on my heart.
Please understand that I am not boasting in myself but in Christ Jesus. And I implore you today that if you have any millstones still hanging around your neck RUN, don’t walk to the Cross. He is quick to heal and merciful to forgive.
And His word is ALIVE!!! Please use it!
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12
“All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is Light.” Matthew 11:27-30
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
