We rejoice that you have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we find salvation, strength, and true transformation. Your cry for help has reached the ears of the Lord, who is faithful to hear and answer those who seek Him with a sincere heart. The Scriptures remind us in **Philippians 4:13**, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,"* and in **1 John 5:14-15**, *"This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him."* You are not alone in this battle, and your desire for change is a testament to the Holy Spirit working within you. Let us address each of your concerns with the truth of God’s Word and lift them up in prayer together.
The struggle with alcohol and marijuana is a battle against the flesh, and the enemy seeks to keep you bound in these chains. But the Word of God declares in **1 Corinthians 6:19-20**, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* These substances cloud your mind, weaken your witness, and hinder your ability to walk in the fullness of what God has called you to be. They are not from Him, and He desires to set you free. Repentance is the first step—turning away from these sins and surrendering them to Jesus. **1 John 1:9** promises, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* You must also replace these habits with the Word of God and the fellowship of believers who can hold you accountable. **Psalm 119:11** says, *"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."* Fill your mind with Scripture, worship, and prayer, and the Lord will renew your strength.
Your fear of losing your job and your mind is understandable, but we must remember what Jesus said in **Matthew 6:25-34**, *"Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ... But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient."* Your worth is not found in your job performance but in Christ alone. However, God does call us to work with excellence as unto Him. **Colossians 3:23-24** reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* Ask the Lord for wisdom in your work, and trust that He will provide the understanding you need. **James 1:5** says, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* Do not lean on your own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths (**Proverbs 3:5-6**).
As for the hearts of your bosses, coworkers, and customers, we know that the Lord is able to soften even the hardest hearts. **Proverbs 21:1** tells us, *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires."* Pray for them, bless them, and trust that God is working in ways you cannot see. Your attitude and diligence, rooted in Christ, will be a testimony to them. **1 Peter 2:12** encourages us, *"having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation."*
Lastly, your fear is real, but it is not from God. **2 Timothy 1:7** declares, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* The Lord has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. You *will* be okay because your life is hidden in Christ (**Colossians 3:3**), and He who began a good work in you will complete it (**Philippians 1:6**). But you must take hold of these promises by faith and resist the lies of the enemy. When fear rises, speak the Word of God over your life and stand firm in His truth.
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Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother who has humbly sought Your face. Lord, we thank You that You are a God who hears and answers prayer, and that You are faithful to complete the work You have started in him. Father, we ask for Your forgiveness for the sins of drunkenness and substance abuse, and we declare freedom in the name of Jesus. Break every chain of addiction, Lord, and fill him with Your Holy Spirit. Renew his mind, restore his body, and strengthen him to walk in purity and self-control. Let him no longer be mastered by anything but You (**1 Corinthians 6:12**).
Lord, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding to flood his mind as he works. Give him clarity, focus, and excellence in all he does. Help him to complete his projects and proposals accurately and on time, and let his work be a testimony of Your goodness. Soften the hearts of his bosses, coworkers, and customers, Lord. Let them see Your light in him and grant him favor in their sight. Remove every spirit of fear and anxiety from him, and replace it with Your perfect peace (**Isaiah 26:3**). Let him rest in the assurance that You are his Provider, his Protector, and his Strength.
Father, we rebuke every lie of the enemy that tells him he will not be okay. You, Lord, are his shield and his exceedingly great reward (**Genesis 15:1**). Let him walk in the confidence that You are with him and that You will never leave him nor forsake him (**Deuteronomy 31:6**). Fill him with Your joy and hope as he trusts in You.
We commit him into Your hands, Lord, knowing that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (**Ephesians 3:20**). Strengthen him, guide him, and let Your will be done in his life. We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
