I was wondering if you think when God delivers you from an addiction you should still be tempted...
I have smoked for 8 years (a pack a day), and my husband and I recently rededicated our lives to God and decided to quit. Today marks 72 hours since I've quit, and it has been so hard. I almost bought cigarettes yesterday... but I didn't. I'm still so tempted though. Do you think it is normal to still be tempted even if God has delivered me from an addiction?
2007-01-12 01:33:34 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To whoever said that Mary is the closest way to reach God, that is just ridiculous when I can pray to God directly. Why would I pray to him through someone who is dead?
2007-01-12 01:53:04 · update #1
To whoever said that Mary is the closest way to reach God, that is just ridiculous when I can pray to God directly. Why would I pray to him through someone who is dead?
2007-01-12 01:53:18 · update #2
Sorry. I double posted.
2007-01-12 01:53:48 · update #3
Hey, good on you! As a Christian who also battled addictions, I hope I can offer you some encouragement. God delivered me of long-term alcoholism 8 months before I became a Christian. My Dr had told me that I was seriously ill from my life-long drinking (child of alcoholic parents) and would require hospitalisation within weeks. I prayed... and let me tell you that I had NEVER been to a church, or sunday school or had religious friends or family. But when we get desperate, we will try ANYTHING. I had 6 children to care for (which I hadnt been doing very well anyhow) and needed a miracle. Four weeks later I was sober, and havent had a drink since 1987.
BUT.... i continued to struggle with smoking for another three years. You may ask why, when I had experienced such a life-changing miracle could I then battle with smoking? The answer was I didnt want to give it up. I wanted to hold onto something for myself. I just wasnt ready to allow God to take control of my life, I was only willing to allow Him to take what I wanted Him to. Heck, I even developed an ulcer by inflicting so much stress on myself as I became a 'closet smoker'. Eventually I gave in to God... and havent had a smoke since 1990.
But its important to remember that 'tempation' will ALWAYS be there. Being saved doesnt mean that we arent tempted. And theres no sin in being tempted, Jesus himself was tempted in the desert. But its how we deal with the temptation that shows whats really happening in our hearts.
Don't be so hard on yourself, we arent saved by our good works (like giving up smoking) but by the good works done by Jesus. And we always tend to look at what we think God would want us to do (give up drinking, drugging, smoking, dress better, get a real job etc) when God may be working on much more important things in our lives like our greed, hatred, anger.
Be led by the Holy Spirit, and you can't go wrong!
2007-01-12 01:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Jeni-wren 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When you devote your life to God that's when the devil try's to attack you. He doesn't want you to do Gods will. Remember you have been smoking for 8 years stopping will not happen over night. I'm not a smoker but any addiction can not be stopped over night. You have to pray and ask God to deliver you from the temptation. You also have to believe and have faith. Find something else to take your mind off of smoking. Reading is one that I suggest and guest what book the Bible. The study Bibles are great. Also it will take time building a relationship with God. Know that satin is busy and when you try to build a relationship with God he will attack. I hope the best for the both of you in fighting your addiction.
2007-01-12 10:06:40 · answer #2 · answered by Dawnnelle J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES and YES
Even if you stay smoke free for 20 years, you will still be tempted. It is a vice that you will live with for ever.
But the good news is that you have recognized that you can't do it with your own will power. You need God. Because you have sought God's help, he will NOT forsake you. The temptations will come but any time you do not succumb to it, the devil looses ground. As time goes on, it will get easier and much easier. Be patient, and you will beat this stuff.
I was addicted with a "typical teenage addiction" for 2 years (You know what I mean). But God delivered me and I have been free for 5 months. I celebrate the 15 of every month as my official deliverance day. Maybe you should choose a date to celebrate every month, it will boost your morale and faith.
As a catholic, the easiest and fastest way to get to Jesus is through his mother Mary. Ask her to help you and pray for you and she will be glad to. Maybe you are not Catholic but when ever you are tempted, Say one "Hail Mary..."
It will help
2007-01-12 09:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had just a few minutes ago decided instead of trying the patch, to pray every time I feel tempted to light up. Yes, I believe God will help but we must be strong in our faith and resolve.
As far as asking Mary for help, I do not believe that is a prayer to Mary. only asking her to help with prayers for us. You would not feel it was wrong to ask your family or friends to pray for you.
God help you with your struggles, I will pray for your success, please pray for mine.
Ok it is tomorrow, yesterday, I started the day with a cig, after that every time I thought of one, I said a Hail Mary or an Our Father, Yesterday was pretty easy, hope I can do the same today.
2007-01-12 10:05:10 · answer #4 · answered by June smiles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An addiction will be with you always, you just have to be stronger then it. I used to be a cutter, and that was my addiction. I became Catholic and stopped, but I still get the urge when I'm upset. It'll never leave you, but you're doing so well. When you feel like you need a ciggarette, try saying a quick prayer (or a long prayer). If you can, drop by your church and find some quiet time. That helped me in my time of need.
2007-01-12 09:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by sister steph 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are still 'tempted', because smoking is a habit,(addiction), that is programmed into your subconscious mind. All the "faith" and good intentions are NOT going to do a damn thing, because your subconscious is telling you "remember how good the smell and taste is"....."how relaxing a good smoke is"....ect.. You have to change your THOUGHTS. Try to imagine yourself already free of smoking forever, Tell yourself everyday, you are ALREADY in perfect health and smoke free You cannot do this with "will power" or god. You HAVE to reprogram your thoughts . In a battle between will power and the subconscious mind, the subconscious will win everytime. Change your thoughts, change your life.
2007-01-12 09:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by INDRAG? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God delivered me from a forty year addiction from alcohol and drugs. I had tried to quit on my own without success many times, but always failed. I got guidance from a Christian website that provided me with a one on one mentor. They supported me and helped me use the Lord's strength to rid me of this stronghold. The temptation or the craving has never returned. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." If you need help check out this website. The quitting smoking course is called "breath of life."
http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com
2007-01-13 20:38:59 · answer #7 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God did not deliver you from addiction, you chose to rededicate your life. Great, God will be there by your side, but YOU still have to fight the battle. That is why you call to him in prayer. Your spiritual side is trying to win over the physical addiction, that is what it means when it says God will deliver you from evil. You have to conquer it but God will be there.
2007-01-12 09:40:28 · answer #8 · answered by Virginia C 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You may want to read the book 'Overcoming Addictive Behavior' by Dr Neil T. Anderson.
2007-01-12 09:45:10 · answer #9 · answered by MKoh 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to smoke and I still wanted them for FIVE years after quitting...you can pray for strength but the temptation wont disappear..
2007-01-12 09:37:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋