A Way to Escape

The Way of Escape

According to Dr. George Koop, a professor with the Scripps Research Institute, 80% of the addicts and alcoholics that experience detox return to drug or alcohol use within a year.  Discovering why a person chooses to relapse is an area of great concern to all of us. 

One of the identified reasons why a person chooses to relapse is cravings.  Cravings are defined as the intense desire a person still feels for the substance during recovery. Research has shown us that the cravings people experience could be directly related to the long term changes in brain function, due to the drug and alcohol abuse. In essence, the brain has become conditioned to function under the influence of drugs or alcohol and does not function efficiently without it.

What can a person do when the urge to drink or drug or frankly any wrong behavior is strong?  What does God say about it and will these cravings ever go away?

The Bible teaches us in I Corinthians 10:13 several lessons that we can apply to our cravings.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) ¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

First, our temptation is not one that is unique to us.  It is common to man.  In other words, the temptation we face is a temptation that others face as well. May I also remind us that it is not God who tempts. 

James 1:13 (KJV) ¹³ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

The Scripture clearly teaches that God is not the one who is tempting us. From where does our temptation come?

James 1:14 (KJV) ¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

It is our own lust, our own longing and desire for that which God forbids that tempts us. 

Second, you do not have to give into the temptation.  Many times people respond as if it is impossible to say no to the temptation or craving, but this is not true.  God does not allow us to face a temptation that He is unable to deliver us from… God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.

Third, God will make a way to escape the temptation… will with the temptation also make a way to escape.
Let us be reminded again that God has promised in His Word that He will make a way to escape. 
We know we are going to be tempted.  We know we are going to have a time of craving in our future so let us prepare now as to how we are going to handle the temptation or craving when it comes.

I.             Long Term Readying:

There are changes that must be made in our lives to prevent temptation and to promote the possibility of successfully saying no when tempted.

                A.            Change Your Perspective

It is important that we change the way we think about what we do.  Recovery principle #1 of Reformers Unanimous is If God’s against it, so am I.  True change begins with a change of our thinking.   Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.  The Reformers Unanimous motto is from John 8:32 Only the truth makes free.  It is imperative if we are going to change, we first change our thinking.  How do you view what you do?  Do you view it the same as God views it? 

                B.            Change Your People

It may also be necessary to change some of the people in our lives.  Recovery principle #6 of RU states: Those who do not love the Lord, will not help us serve the Lord.  All of us are affected by the people with whom we associate.  The Bible states in Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  If you look back on your life, you will usually find people that were instrumental in leading you astray.  God in His Word says:  1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV) ³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Another way of saying this is bad company corrupts good morals.    It is true that the people we associate with affect the way we live our lives. 

                C.            Change Your Places

It is important that the places we go are beneficial in our recovery.   This is why faithful attendance to a good faith based recovery meeting is important.  This is why all should faithfully attend a Bible preaching and teaching church.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  

II.            Short Term Response

It is also important that we plan what we are going to do when the moment of temptation or when the cravings come. 

                1.            Pray, Read your Bible, Pray the Promise

When cravings or temptation comes it is important we turn to the One who has provided a way to escape.  Pray, read your Bible, read I Corinthians 10:13 (text verse), and pray the verse out loud claiming the promise of God.  Remember God has promised a way to escape and that you are able to bear it.

                2.            Call a Spiritual Leader

This is the time to call your spiritual leader.  This is the time, if you are in RU, to call your challenge leader, challenge helper, director, or assistant director.  You need to have these numbers in your cell phone and keep calling until you get someone who will listen, advise, and pray for you.

                3.            Change What You Are Doing

Stop what you are doing or not doing and go do something else.  Remember the old saying, idle hands are the Devil’s workshop. It is important that your time be spent productively.  When a craving comes remember the old adage, this too shall pass.  Get busy doing something!  Exercise, go for a walk, clean your home, go volunteer at the church, but by all means get busy.

                4.            Attend the Next Available Church Service

                5.            Find God’s Provided Way to Escape

III.           Always Remember

Many people want to know if the physical and mental cravings (temptations) will ever end.  The answer is yes.  God’s Word says; James 4:7 (KJV) ⁷ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The more you say no to temptation the easier it is to say no.    
What is outlined above will produce abstinence in your life.  Abstaining is defined as:  to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice. Abstaining leads to sobriety.  

However, if you desire total victory it requires transformation.  Only Jesus Christ can truly transform a life.  The Bible says, 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. God is able to transform your life through your relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com