February 5th gave me a bit of a scare. I thought I had the flu, tonsilitis or maybe strep throat at the worst. When I couldn’t get in to see my doctor, the next option was minor emergency care. I had a severe sore throat and low-grade fever. When I say severe I mean I couldn’t even swallow a drop of water. Well let me tell you, when the doctor walks in the room and from a distance, before examining you, remarks, “Holy cow!” you know you have a problem.

After blood work, a throat swab, X-ray, CT scan and some other device through my nose down to my throat I was told of a bacterial infection in my throat. A very serious infection that as just hours away from entering my bloodstream and sending me spiraling into a coma. From there I was told that death would have been just a short distance away.  What I thought to be minor turned into a hospital stay.

Just knowing I was close to death is a sobering thought. I mean, I’m ready to go spiritually because I know I am at peace with God. That’s my ticket home! But Physically I would like to believe that I am still needed here on earth. I like to think that I’m here to raise my son, support my daughter in her life decisions and possibly have some work to do here for my Lord Jesus. Some lives to impact and perhaps even lead some to the saving grace of God.

But I do realize just how fragile life is. At any given moment we can leave this earth and be destined to our eternity in one of two places. No one knows when he or she is going to die. Just as we have no idea when Jesus Christ is going to return to earth. Could be tomorrow, could be in the next second.

ARE YOU READY?

Our life here on earth is the shortest time period of our existence. We know that one day we all will die. But after death is an eternity. A perpetuity in either Heaven with God or in Hell with the Devil.

There are a lot of things that keep us from turning to Christ. I think that the largest obstacle is we like what we do. Whether it be drugs or alcohol or any other addiction we physically like it and don’t want to give it up. The Bible even says that there is pleasure in sin, FOR A SEASON. (Hebrews 11:25) If you are in that place where you can’t break free or just don’t want to, I am here to assure you that the gratification you are getting from whatever you are doing is only temporary. That’s why you have to search it out again tomorrow and the next day. I know, I was there! But there is a way out. You don’t have to continue on this path and you can break free.

The first step is to turn to your Creator. The one who formed you even before you were born. He understands that you are human and make mistakes and bad choices. He understands that your continued poor choices have gotten you physically addicted. But He still loves you and is waiting for you to turn to Him. Just talk to Him! Tell Him you are sorry for whatever it is you have done or are doing. Tell Him that you need His forgiveness for what you have done. Tell Him that you need His help because you can’t do this on your own. I promise you that He won’t turn his back on you or turn you away. Remember that God has already made a path for you to do this through His Son Jesus Christ!

Step two is to seek out a Christian counselor, a church, a pastor  or a Christian family member and tell them about your new decision. If your addiction requires medical attention there are Christian facilities to treat you and help you. Ask them to lead you in the right direction. God knows this is a life changing decision for an addict and that we need all the help we can get.

The third step is to get a Bible. It’s the only book God ever authored and he would be appreciative if you would read it. Pray before you read that God will open your eyes to see what it says, open your ears to hear what He says and to open your heart to receive the Word.

Step four, find a good Bible preaching and teaching church. Get yourself Baptized. Make new friends with people who are Christians. Find out for yourself that there is another life other than the one you have been living.

If you have just taken step one and are unsure where to turn please leave me a comment and I will direct you in the right direction! Nothing would make our Heavenly Father more happy than for you to turn to Him!

God bless each and every one of you who share this struggle and my prayer for you is to accept Christ into you heart and your continued sobriety!