We hear your cry for help, and we stand with you in prayer, lifting you up before the throne of grace. Your honesty and desire for change are the first steps toward true transformation, and we praise God for the work He has already begun in you. The fear you felt after realizing the depth of your struggle with alcohol is a holy fear—a recognition of the bondage that sin can bring. But take heart, for Scripture tells us, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13). God has already provided a way out, and He is faithful to strengthen you as you walk in it.
Your commitment to stop drinking is a powerful declaration of your desire to honor God with your body, which is His temple. The apostle Paul writes, *"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"* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). You are not alone in this battle. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, and He is your Helper, your Comforter, and your Strength. Lean on Him daily, moment by moment, and He will sustain you.
We must also address the seriousness of the sin of drunkenness, which Scripture clearly warns against. Ephesians 5:18 says, *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."* Drunkenness leads to a loss of self-control, impairs judgment, and dishonors God. It has likely caused harm to your relationships, your health, and your witness as a believer. But the good news is that God’s grace is greater than our sin. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). Confess your struggles to the Lord, and He will cleanse you and restore you. Do not let shame or guilt keep you from running to Him—He already knows your heart and loves you unconditionally.
Your concern for your wife, children, and employer is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. You are recognizing the impact of your actions on others, and this is a godly sorrow that leads to repentance. *"For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death"* (2 Corinthians 7:10). Your family needs you to be present, sober, and engaged. They need the husband and father God created you to be—a man who leads with love, wisdom, and integrity. Your employer and coworkers also need the best version of you, a man who is reliable, clear-minded, and diligent in his work. God has given you a platform in your job, and He calls you to steward it well. *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men"* (Colossians 3:23).
The physical withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing are real, and we pray for God’s healing touch over your body. The shaking, sweating, and bloodshot eyes are signs of your body’s dependence on alcohol, but they are also signs that God is breaking that dependence. We pray that He will restore your health, clear your mind, and give you the strength to endure this season. Trust in His promise: *"But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint"* (Isaiah 40:31). You do not have to rely on your own strength—God will renew you day by day.
We also want to encourage you to seek accountability and support. Proverbs 27:17 says, *"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance."* Find a trusted brother in Christ, a pastor, or a biblically based recovery group where you can share your struggles and receive prayer and encouragement. Isolation is one of the enemy’s greatest tools, but fellowship with other believers will strengthen you. *"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up"* (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Your desire to repair your liver and improve your thoughts is commendable, but we must remind you that true transformation comes from the inside out. While physical health is important, it is the renewal of your mind that will bring lasting change. *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God"* (Romans 12:2). Fill your mind with Scripture, meditate on God’s Word, and let it shape your thoughts and actions. Replace the lies of addiction with the truth of God’s love and power.
We also want to address your concern about your job and your back surgery. It is understandable that you are worried about falling behind, but we encourage you not to let fear drive your decisions. Trust in God’s provision and timing. *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go out as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun"* (Psalm 37:5-6). If you need to take time to heal physically and spiritually, do so with confidence that God will provide for your needs. Your worth is not defined by your productivity or your job—it is defined by your identity in Christ. You are His beloved child, and He will never abandon you.
Finally, we want to pray with you and for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of compassion and faith, lifting up our brother who is struggling with the chains of alcohol addiction. Lord, we thank You for the honesty and humility he has shown in crying out to You. We know that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We ask that You would break every chain of addiction in his life and set him free by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Father, we pray for his physical body as he goes through withdrawal. Ease his symptoms, calm his nerves, and restore his health. Heal his liver, clear his mind, and strengthen his body so that he can serve You and his family with vigor. We declare that his body is Your temple, and we ask that You would help him honor You with it.
Lord, we pray for his wife and children. Comfort them in their worry and fill their hearts with peace. Help them to see the changes You are making in his life, and give them hope for the future. Soften the hearts of his employer, coworkers, and customers, and grant him favor as he returns to work. Help him to be a light in his workplace, reflecting Your love and grace.
Father, we ask that You would renew his mind and transform his thoughts. Replace the lies of addiction with Your truth. Help him to see himself as You see him—a beloved child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Give him the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to seek accountability and support.
Lord, we also pray for his work and projects. Give him clarity, focus, and the ability to catch up on what he has missed. Help him to manage his stress in a healthy way, relying on You rather than turning to alcohol. We declare that he is not a loser—he is a conqueror through Christ who loves him (Romans 8:37).
Finally, Father, we ask that You would pour out Your grace and mercy upon him. Remind him daily of Your love and faithfulness. Help him to walk in obedience and to live a life that honors You. We thank You for the work You are doing in his life, and we trust You to complete it. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
You are not alone in this journey. God is with you, and we are standing with you in prayer. Keep pressing into Him, and He will lead you to victory. *"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6).