Since embarking on a journey to deeply understand God's heart and His plan for my life, I have often found myself in isolation. Just me and God. This solitude sometimes makes me appear peculiar, passionate, and misunderstood when I interact with others. I’m no better than the next person. I am not a judge; only God holds that authority. I am merely a vessel, speaking what he instructs me to share. Moving as he would have me to move. My testimony is one of deliverance from drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, trauma, and abuse. I’ve experienced things and I’ve done things. Therefore, I am no one's example but rather a testament to God's transformative power. I am no longer defined by my past choices but by his grace. For me, this brings to mind the story of Moses. Despite feeling inadequate to speak to his people, Moses was uniquely raised and positioned by God to fulfill his divine purpose. This was the story of many of the champion deliverers like Gideon. These were people least expected to be in position to be used of God but he did his thing anyway.
In the story of Moses we find a compelling narrative in the Bible, showcasing the transformative power of God's calling. Moses was born during a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Israelite male babies be killed. However, he was miraculously saved and raised as an Egyptian prince in the very household of the oppressor. For many years, Moses lived a life of privilege and power, detached from his true heritage and the suffering of his people. Moses was a murderer.
Yet, when God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery, he had to confront not only the Egyptian rulers but also the skepticism of his own people. They had to recognize that Moses was no longer the prince they knew but a servant of the Lord, empowered by God's divine mission. Exodus 3:10 records God’s command to Moses: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."
Who in your life is no longer the person you knew? Who is so different that you can’t even recognize them? Maybe you miss their companionship and wish you could connect with them again? Maybe, they have not changed for the better but the worse? Transformation is needed in this world. So greatly. So many people are stuck doing the same old things. Like smoking weed, drinking alcohol, or simple eating themselves to death.
In Moses’ story, the journey of transformation and acceptance mirrors many challenges we face in today's society, particularly in how we deal with legalized substances like marijuana. In some countries, the decriminalization and legalization of drugs and alcohol have indeed helped reduce overdose deaths and provided opportunities for treatment. While these measures have their benefits, they also pose significant risks, especially for those seeking to follow a life of faith.
Substances like marijuana, while legalized and widely accepted, can cloud our minds and hinder our spiritual growth. I struggled with addiction for over 20 years. In becoming free from it finally, I learned that the Bible warns us about the dangers of allowing our minds to be led astray. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are admonished, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The devil uses these substances as tools to keep Christians in the dark, impairing our judgment and distancing us from God's presence.
Statistics support this concern. Studies show that regular use of marijuana can lead to dependency and have negative impacts on mental health, including increased risks of anxiety and depression. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that about 9% of those who use marijuana will become dependent on it. Moreover, marijuana use has been linked to lower academic achievement and poorer job performance. Personally I was always a functional addict. I didn’t believe this until I was sober. I have accomplished more in the past 5 years, being sober than I had in the 20 years, prior.
As Christians, we are called to be vigilant and not conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). It is easy to minimize the dangers of substances that are widely accepted and normalized. However, we must remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we should strive to keep them pure and holy.
If you are struggling with substance use, I challenge you to surrender it to God. If you are struggling with anything that you feel convicted of that is unlike God or his path for your life submit it to him. (Notice I didn’t say stop doing it. He does the work) Seek His strength and guidance, and trust that He can deliver you from this bondage just as He delivered the Israelites from Egypt. Isaiah 41:10 provides comfort: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Moses’ story is one of the many powerful reminders that God can transform our lives and use us for His glory, no matter our past. Embrace this journey of faith, and allow God to lead you out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.
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