By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
Have you ever tried to dig up a weed, without killing the root? What happens? It never really goes away does it? That root will remain under the soil and keep popping back up.
That is how it was with me, and smoking. Even after I humbled myself, reached out to Jesus, and accepted Him as my Savior and was born again and became a child of God. I still had several “cling-ons” from my past life. One of them was a strong desire/dependence on cigarettes.
My spirit was changed, but my body remained the same and my mind had not yet been renewed to the “new me” in Christ.
At first I don’t think I even considered stopping. I could not see myself without them. Like an appendage to my soul and body, cigarettes owned me. And I fiercely protected them and would become highly offended if anyone suggested I quit. I didn’t think of them as just a crutch, but more like my life -line.
But as I began to spend time in the word of God, my relationship with Jesus began to grow as Jesus became more real to me. I was getting to know this wonderful Person and I started experiencing His love for me, I began to trust Him more and more and the root of addiction in my heart began to loosen as the soil became softer, more able to work with. Does this make sense to you?
Well on January 11, 2009 that root of addiction was dug out of my heart. I received complete deliverance from a 33 year smoking addiction. That morning I experienced the root that had been planted when I was 13 years old, leaving my body and my mind, instantly!
My lungs were also instantly healed, along with coughing, raspy voice, and shortness of breath all gone!!! Just as if I had never smoked a day in my life! No meds! No self-help books, nor hypnosis, or psychology, etc.
I choose to acknowledge/receive the love of God, His abundant mercy, grace and a better understanding of Jesus’ sacrifices for us, encouraged me to apply His word to dig out that root. (Now I am certainly not against anyone who is able to quit by other means, yet with Jesus, even the effects from harmful addictions or lifestyles have been paid for, dealt with at the cross and we can receive healing and deliverance from all.))
The need, desire, taste for cigarettes immediately left me that day, moment on Jan. 11th 2009!!
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12
I came into agreement with the Holy Spirit and simply said “Okay! I want your help Lord and I believe you have already healed me.”
He already did it for me, and He has already done it for you. God is no respecter of persons, meaning His love, mercy & grace is given/applied equally to each of us. Acts 10:34
Today! If you are struggling to quit ANYTHING- know this one thing, you have already been delivered. You just may not understand this yet, but it happened over 2,000 years ago on the cross.
You are not a drug addict, or an alcoholic etc. That is just what you are doing but that is NOT who you are!!
“How a man thinks in His heart so is he!” Proverbs 23:7
God created you for great things! There is a purpose for your life! God has a good plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11
And He hasn’t made a dud yet!
“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you!” James 4:7
A revelation of the love of God towards you is the cure for everything! I was afraid to quit smoking for a long time. I thought they were my comforter but beneath the “soil” that root was slowly choking the life out of me. Posing as my “friend” while poisoning my body and my soul. But God’s “perfect love cast out fear.” John 4:18
Jesus is the Master Gardner of my heart and His written word is the Keeper of my soul:)
Amen!!Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgrove1996@yahoo.com
