What I learned when God allowed me to repent from abusing alcohol & smoking

[Marston]

I was an active, functional, alcoholic for decades. I used to cry in my pillow and beg God to give me the strength to stop, but apparently to no avail as I continued for years.

In November of 2023 my elderly mother suffered a stroke and required significant care from my wife and I. However, I continued to drink. But soon thereafter I woke up one day and had no more desire to drink or smoke. That was the weekend after Thanksgiving, 2023. I haven't had a drop or a smoke since. 

People have congratulated me but I have always corrected them quickly and told them it wasn't me, it was God. God allowed me to change. 

I've come to theorize that, in my youth, I made the choice to abuse alcohol and I think God said to me "You made your bed and now you're going to stay in it for a LONG time".  

A couple of times I've been tempted to pick up the bottle again but I know that, if I do, God won't save me from myself again. I will not betray God's gift to me. No way! 

One day I came across a verse that mentioned God granting repentance. I did more research with an online Bible search and discovered similar verses. I guess I've come to believe that God sometimes gives us over to our unhealthy desires and that repentance isn't possible until God decides we're ready.  

Do you believe that might be true?

Here are verses pertaining to God and repentance. 

Acts 5:31

Verse Concepts

He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

 

Acts 11:18

Verse Concepts

When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

 

2 Timothy 2:25

Verse Concepts

with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

 

Romans 2:4

Verse Concepts

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

 

2 Peter 3:9

Verse Concepts

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

[Michael37]

23 minutes ago, Marston said:

Romans 2:4

Verse Concepts

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Good study @Marston It is true that when anyone comes to repentance it is always, always, always through the leading of God in His kindness. 

Next question: In the Bible how does God make people aware that they need to repent? 

 

[BornAgain490]

50 minutes ago, Marston said:

I was an active, functional, alcoholic for decades. I used to cry in my pillow and beg God to give me the strength to stop, but apparently to no avail as I continued for years.

In November of 2023 my elderly mother suffered a stroke and required significant care from my wife and I. However, I continued to drink. But soon thereafter I woke up one day and had no more desire to drink or smoke. That was the weekend after Thanksgiving, 2023. I haven't had a drop or a smoke since. 

People have congratulated me but I have always corrected them quickly and told them it wasn't me, it was God. God allowed me to change. 

I've come to theorize that, in my youth, I made the choice to abuse alcohol and I think God said to me "You made your bed and now you're going to stay in it for a LONG time".  

A couple of times I've been tempted to pick up the bottle again but I know that, if I do, God won't save me from myself again. I will not betray God's gift to me. No way! 

One day I came across a verse that mentioned God granting repentance. I did more research with an online Bible search and discovered similar verses. I guess I've come to believe that God sometimes gives us over to our unhealthy desires and that repentance isn't possible until God decides we're ready.  

Do you believe that might be true?

Here are verses pertaining to God and repentance. 

Acts 5:31

Verse Concepts

He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

 

Acts 11:18

Verse Concepts

When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

 

2 Timothy 2:25

Verse Concepts

with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

 

Romans 2:4

Verse Concepts

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

 

2 Peter 3:9

Verse Concepts

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Amen.  Sober and smoke free here since August 2016. I no longer count the days or months or years, but I can still remember with crystal clarity the day I was set free. Peaks and valleys for a while after that, but no more:  God got me through it, and God will fo the same with you. I credit it all to the power of God alone. All praise blessing honor glory and power to our heavenly Father Son and Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen amen 🙌 🙏 

[Marston]

1 hour ago, Michael37 said:

In the Bible how does God make people aware that they need to repent? 

I wish I knew. How?

[Michael37]

6 hours ago, Marston said:

I wish I knew. How?

God uses myriad ways to make people aware of their need to repent. Some people go through horrific battles, challenges, and ordeals before it becomes apparent they need to repent of sin and serve God. Others quietly devote themselves to Christ without such disasters and dramas.

The Bible tells us this:

1. Prophets: God often sent prophets to call people to repentance. For instance, the prophet Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh to warn its inhabitants of impending judgment unless they repented (Jonah 3:1-10).

2. Scripture: The Bible itself is a powerful tool for calling people to repentance. Verses like Romans 2:4 highlight that God's kindness is meant to lead people to repentance.

3. Conviction by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting individuals of their sins and their need for repentance. John 16:8 says, "When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."

4. Life Circumstances: Sometimes, God uses life events to draw people to repentance. These can be moments of crisis, personal reflection, or even blessings that lead individuals to recognize their need for God.

5. Jesus Christ: Jesus' ministry was centered around calling people to repentance and offering forgiveness. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaimed, "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

[Marston]

2 hours ago, Michael37 said:

God uses myriad ways to make people aware of their need to repent. Some people go through horrific battles, challenges, and ordeals before it becomes apparent they need to repent of sin and serve God. Others quietly devote themselves to Christ without such disasters and dramas.

The Bible tells us this:

1. Prophets: God often sent prophets to call people to repentance. For instance, the prophet Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh to warn its inhabitants of impending judgment unless they repented (Jonah 3:1-10).

2. Scripture: The Bible itself is a powerful tool for calling people to repentance. Verses like Romans 2:4 highlight that God's kindness is meant to lead people to repentance.

3. Conviction by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting individuals of their sins and their need for repentance. John 16:8 says, "When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."

4. Life Circumstances: Sometimes, God uses life events to draw people to repentance. These can be moments of crisis, personal reflection, or even blessings that lead individuals to recognize their need for God.

5. Jesus Christ: Jesus' ministry was centered around calling people to repentance and offering forgiveness. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaimed, "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

 

Thank you. What you shared reminded me of what Billy Graham said: "The closer you get to Jesus the more you will feel your sin". 

For me, the battle against my own flesh seems never-ending. I guess only Jesus can truly free me from my own sin. 

[BornAgain490]

10 hours ago, Marston said:

 

Thank you. What you shared reminded me of what Billy Graham said: "The closer you get to Jesus the more you will feel your sin". 

For me, the battle against my own flesh seems never-ending. I guess only Jesus can truly free me from my own sin. 

The battle we're in isn't against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness.  We that are in Christ have the privilege of wearing God's armor to fight against the devils schemes.  See, Ephesians 6:10-19. 

Kindly note when reading Ephesians 6:11, and 13, that the armor is of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God.  All of these God gives us so that we may be able to withstand in the evil day.  

Even our prayers and openly sharing the gospel are a weapon, which we we do so in the Spirit.  

[Marston]

32 minutes ago, BornAgain490 said:

The battle we're in isn't against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness.  We that are in Christ have the privilege of wearing God's armor to fight against the devils schemes.  See, Ephesians 6:10-19. 

Kindly note when reading Ephesians 6:11, and 13, that the armor is of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the word of God.  All of these God gives us so that we may be able to withstand in the evil day.  

Even our prayers and openly sharing the gospel are a weapon, which we we do so in the Spirit.  

Beautiful. Thank you!

[BornAgain490]

1 hour ago, Marston said:

Beautiful. Thank you!

You're welcome. 

[Frits]

Br. @Marston,

You have repented of your sins to the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the true God. You believe in Him, He is your Savior, He loves you and He has shown you that through freedom, in a life delivered from addiction.

Your battle against the devil of alcohol has been turned over to the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is exactly what is needed, He cares for you. (1Peter 5:7) He takes care of you, and nothing can snatch you out of His hand! Yes indeed, we believers have sought protection in the Mighty God, Jesus Christ, we worship Him! Hallelujah!