When someone is struggling with addiction, many times there is a sense of hopelessness for the addicted as well as their loved ones. There is a belief that no matter what the addicted one says or promises, they cannot be believed because they’ve broken so many promises in the past. And many times, the addicted one wants those promises to be true, but they can’t fulfill them in their own strength. Lots of addicts have been through treatment and counseling, only to find themselves back in the pain of addiction.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.“
I think if there’s one word that can sum up the life of an addict and those who love them it’s hopelessness. Many parents, spouses, children and friends sit by helplessly wondering what they can do. What difference can they make for that loved one? And it doesn’t have to be alcohol or drugs they are dealing with. It can be food, either overeating or dealing with anorexia and bulimia. Exercise. Shopping and overspending. Even becoming addicted to your phone. Any of these addictions can cause us to feel like we have no control over our lives.
When we feel hopeless about any situation it has control over us. The enemy wants us to stay in bondage so that we can’t walk in the calling God has for us.
Again, Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, BUT a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
That’s where the abundant life Jesus promises is, having a longing fulfilled instead of living in a state of hopelessness.
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
My guest today, Melissa Huray, lived that life of hopelessness as a former alcoholic who struggled with addiction from the time she was a child. First it was sugar and junk food. Then, because her father was an alcoholic and she saw him go to alcohol to diffuse many situations, she believed alcohol was the magic cure for all of her troubles. But instead of finding healing in the bottle, she found herself in a hopeless cycle of addiction, believing she could stop at any time, but finding that she didn’t have the strength to overcome the hold alcohol had over her. Until she finally fully surrendered to Christ and prayed for healing. Melissa has a fascinating story of turning her life around through the power of Christ, not her own, and using her experience to counsel others living in addiction and bringing freedom through the gospel. In this episode she shares practical tools and encouragement to help addicts and those who love them fight the battle of addiction.
Melissa is now an author and has been a part of Mike Lindell’s recovery network for over a decade. She has much wisdom and insight for those looking for recovery. Melissa now experiences the longing fulfilled and is humbled to be able to share her healing story. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction of any sort, this episode is one that will bring hope and encouragement.
Resources From Melissa
Melissa’s books: Blackout to Blessing: How the Perfect Love of Jesus Saved Me from the Highway to Hell and Radical Freedom: Breaking the Chains of Addiction for Good – Daily Strength for Recovery
Melissa’s website: MelissaHuray.com
The Hope Report and Lindell Recovery Network
Other episodes mentioned: Overcoming Alcoholism to Restore a Marriage with Donavan and Lavonna Garrett and The Dream that Led to New Day Recovery with Heather Millsaps and Leslie Hawkins
Listen to From Blackout to Blessing: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction for Good with Melissa Huray
Watch on YouTube From Blackout to Blessing: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction for Good with Melissa Huray