By Kyla Walker
The ladies at the Renewal Center have lead destructive life-styles filled with addiction and abuse. Many times, the circumstances in their lives lead them to a point where they are forced to make a choice. A choice that is imperative. There are numerous situations that cause such urgency. Abusive relationships, homelessness, failing health, and legal issues are just a few of those situations. The degree in which these situations arise, give the individual reasons for considerable life changes. As a Christ follower, I have to give credit where credit is due; “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 Jesus Christ is sovereign over everything, including these situations an addict may find themselvs in. He will allow certain things into our lives in order to get our attention and point to a new direction.
These “situations” often cause a great deal of despair, hopelessness and brokenness, which becomes the beginning work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the one hurting. And transformation begins! Here at the Renewal Center, that is exactly what happens. The Holy Spirit heals the broken hearted. Personally, as a Renewal graduate, once the healing started for me, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and peace, along with an urgency to fight the devil and his schemes.
By reading God’s word, I gained the wisdom I needed to the fight against addiction. Once wisdom is obtained, it preludes a number of other essential attributes that are very helpful in starting a new life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
Ecclesiastes 8:1
“A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.”
Proverbs 1:2-7
“..for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables; the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 8:10-11 “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her”
Being wise enough to realize foolish ways, to receive instruction and gain understanding are necassary in order to gain the self-control to let go of addiction. When it comes right down to it, you have to want to change and be a better person; one that fears the Lord and simply choose to do good and not bad.
