My Monday Morning Cup | By the Grace of God

To begin something new you have to move on from something old. Twenty-four years ago, coming off a 30+ plus day alcohol and drug-fueled binge, God began a new work in me. It is not a journey I chose for myself, but rather one that God offered to me.

My story could have ended in a number of bad ways. I could have easily found myself in prison or six-feet under. But God had other plans. He intervened. And I’m thankful for that. His vision for my life was, is, and remains exceedingly and abundantly greater than anything I could have ever imagined myself. As I was recently reminded, God is the author of my story. I’m simply a character in it.

That early August Saturday morning, that now seems like a lifetime ago, God presented me with two options. Option 1, I could continue to dig myself an early grave. Option 2, I could choose Him and commit to living a new life. That morning, I put the bottle down and chose life.

If you’re struggling with addiction, please know that I didn’t come to face the events that unfolded on that Saturday morning overnight. A long and winding road led me to it. Odds are, like me, you didn’t start out to be an addict but you were simply looking to have a good time. I didn’t start drinking or getting high for any grandiose reason other than it made me feel good and I liked it. The more I had, the more I wanted. And then, one day, I found myself unable to recognize the face looking back at me in the mirror. For me, life became unmanageable and my addictions consumed every facet of my world. If that’s you, know it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way out where living is an option.

I’ve learned firsthand that God, and God alone, is able to transform lives. He has certainly transformed mine. I know firsthand that the Lord is the God of second chances who lives to use broken vessels like me for His glory. He can use you too. 

It’s not always been easy. I have certainly not lived my life perfectly. But by the grace of God, I have the opportunity to experience a grand adventure. 

As always, I’m grateful you took the time to read my post. If you have a recovery story or if you’ve experienced God’s hand of redemption in your life, please feel free to share your experience in the comments below. After all, we’re all recovering from something.

Thanks be to God.

Blessings,

The Devotional Guy™

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