Lesson 6 This is War Soldier, Time to Fight!
Testimony and Question 8
Andrew writes, "Learning to wash at the cross through the Freedom from Substance Abuse course has really lifted a heavy burden of guilt, shame, and condemnation from my shoulders. Praise God that I am forgiven, cleansed, and made new in Jesus. Times of temptation still come, but I have learned how to overcome this by taking up my spiritual weapons of warfare and walking by the Spirit. I am really grateful for the course and to Chuck, my mentor, who diligently reviewed my lessons.
I came to faith in Christ at a young age. It's only been the last 3 years that I noticed I have been drinking a lot more than usual. I'm a happily married family man and God has blessed me with an awesome wife and two young kids, 2 and 5 years old. During COVID, my wife lost her job and the stress of daily life just got to me—the daily duties and responsibilities of being a father and the financial burden of supporting my family—and I started drinking more wine than usual. I would usually just enjoy a glass or two with my food, but then it went to a bottle or more a day, plus I began drinking in secret. I was so stressed that I had a panic attack at work and ended up at Akeso, an institute to help me stabilize. This gave me time to reflect. I realized that if I didn't make some changes rapidly, I was headed for disaster.
I told my wife I was going to do the Freedom from Substance Abuse course at Setting Captives Free. Through this study, Christ has made me free indeed. Psychologists or Psychiatrists can only help so much. I know this because I have seen both. Deep in the inside of your soul, your innermost being, there is an eternal gaping hole or gap which only God can fill. No amount of drugs, alcohol, money, counseling, or programs can truly set you free. Only Christ can make you free indeed! His refreshing anointing fills your heart and soul with sweetness like honey. And why does this work? Because He is your creator! He knit you together, your innermost being, so only He can fulfill you.
I have learned in this course that all my guilt, shame, and condemnation have been lifted off of me. Jesus has forgiven me and washed me whiter than snow. Now I just look forward and press toward the goal which Christ has called me towards. I also learned that while we are in this life we will always have our flesh and its evil desires to contend with, but Christ has set us free, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down and shattering of strongholds. The one the Son (Jesus) sets free shall be free indeed!
My prayer is that God will continue to bless everyone involved with Setting Captives Free and that my testimony will help others facing the same struggles. Keep fighting this good fight of faith, soldier, for with God nothing is impossible. He has given us divine strength to overcome!"
Question 8. What are your thoughts about Andrew's testimony? Please share.
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