Jesse’s Journal – #7:
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” (Galatians 5:17, KJV)
My journey toward recovery has been marked by contrasting moments of acceptance and doubt. As a teenager, I became easily ensnared in pornography. It was accessible, free, and available whenever I wanted, with endless content to satisfy my initial curiosities. Despite attempts to stop misusing the family computer, I was trapped in a cycle of deleting and restoring files. The unmanageability of my behavior was staggering—my computer slowed down, and I resorted to transferring files to flash drives to maintain performance.
For over 15 years, I struggled with this escalating addiction until finally, I found the courage to enter a 12-step recovery program. Though my path was filled with pain and denial, these experiences paradoxically prepared me for the transformative power of recovery. I thank God that I now realize I am an addict who is seeking recovery.
Looking back, I see that God, in His loving nature and willingness to help, gently guided me toward truth and redemption. Despite my resistance, He patiently awaited my surrender. I am grateful for the lessons learned through my struggles, which ultimately led me to discover my true identity in Him.
Despite all I have done, and though I am an addict in the flesh, I stand redeemed through Christ, and my identity in Him takes precedence. I am His beloved Bride before I am an addict. Before I am any label the world places on me, I am the Father’s child. Identifying as an addict helps me recognize and address my issues as I live in the physical world. But identifying with my Creator, who has made me a new creature, profoundly reshapes my worldview of addiction within the spiritual reality.
How It Relates To You:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)
This journey of identity and recovery resonates with many who feel torn between their faith and their struggles. Like the personal story shared above, true healing begins when we acknowledge our dual nature – both as children of God and as people facing real challenges (from ongoing consequences resulting from the Fall). It starts with accepting who we are, reaching out for help, and allowing God to guide us toward wholeness. When we embrace our identity in Christ while honestly confronting our addictions, we open ourselves to profound healing.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 teaches, becoming a new creation in Christ doesn’t mean our struggles instantly vanish; rather, we have a new foundation of identity and hope from which to face them. This truth empowers us to walk in honesty about our condition and confidence in God’s transformative work.
Reflection Questions:
- How has your identity as a Christian conflicted with accepting your identity as an addict?
- In what ways has your journey of recovery helped you better understand God’s patience and love?
- What does being “a new creature in Christ” mean to you in your recovery journey?
Scripture to Remember:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV)
2 Corinthians 12:9 offers profound comfort for those struggling with addiction. When we feel weak in our recovery journey, this verse reminds us that God’s grace is not just available but is made perfect in our weakness. Rather than being ashamed of our struggles or trying to overcome them through willpower alone, we can find strength in admitting our powerlessness and letting God’s grace work through us. When we stop trying to be strong on our own and instead lean into His strength, true transformation becomes possible – our weaknesses become opportunities for God’s power to be displayed in our lives.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me embrace my identity as Your child while honestly facing my addiction. I appreciate Your grace, which is made perfect in my weakness. Guide me to find strength in surrender and to trust in Your transformative power rather than my own will.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
