Clearing Away the Mess

Clearing Away the MessGod says, ‘Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity‘”—Isaiah 57:14

If you’re driving on a single lane road and encounter a fallen tree or powerline, what should you do? You could drive around the mess or do a U-turn, but someone must eventually clear away the clutter to make the road usable.

When Israel had been exiled, God told the prophet Isaiah, “I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway!! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn” (Isaiah 57:18). God called Isaiah to be a prophet when he was overwhelmed with his struggles. But he turned to God anyway and was delivered from his failures. (more…)

God Helps You Get Through the Fire

God Helps You Get Through the FireHow are diamonds made? They go through three steps to be refined: First, they’re put under a pressure of 735,000 pounds per inch. Next, they’re put under the extreme heat of 2,200 Fahrenheit. Finally, they’re cut.

If you’re struggling with addiction, you must go through a similar process of being refined during recovery. It involves going through fire to get rid of unhealthy patterns and creating healthy patterns to purify you. Don’t expect God to take all your difficulties away—He won’t. But remember Jesus is God in human flesh and will help you endure the fiery furnace.

Here are some ways He helps you in recovery. (more…)