We join with you in lifting up your husband before the throne of grace and we thank you for standing faithfully with him in marriage as God intended marriage to be a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman that reflects His love and faithfulness. We hear your heart for him to be healthy, happy, healed and whole, and we hear the pain of these years of battling addiction in secret because of shame. We want you to know we are praying for strength and endurance for him and for you as you walk beside him.
The Word tells us 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. Cigarettes and THC vapes not only harm the body God gave us but the THC also clouds the mind and takes away sobriety. God calls us to Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. These addictions are strongholds, but we serve a God who breaks strongholds, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
We also gently address that he hid this from you for years because he felt ashamed. We understand shame is powerful, but God calls husbands and wives to walk in light and truth with one another. There is freedom in confession, for 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. And we are told Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. James 5:16. His honesty now, though painful, is a step toward healing, and your gracious response without condemnation will help him stay in the light where God can do His deepest work. We encourage him to also confess fully to the Lord and to walk in ongoing accountability with you and with trusted godly men in the church and if needed godly counsel.
For the battle itself, God promises 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. He can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. But that strength comes as the mind is renewed daily, 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. And we claim for him For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. We encourage you both not to grow weary, for Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9. Withdrawal and cravings are real and endurance is needed, so practical steps of removing triggers, seeking medical wisdom if needed, replacing old habits with prayer, the Word, exercise and fellowship will help as the Lord restores his body and mind.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only through Him we are saved, for Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If your husband has not yet fully surrendered his life to Christ, this breaking of addiction must begin with believing on the Lord Jesus for forgiveness and new life, for when Christ sets us free we are free indeed.
We pray together now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and we lift up this dear husband and his wife to You. Lord, You see the years of bondage to cigarettes and THC vapes, the shame that led to hiding, and the sincere desire now to be free. We ask You to break these strongholds off his life by Your mighty power. Set him free from nicotine and from every mind altering substance and make him sober minded for Your glory. Heal his body from the damage done, heal his lungs, his brain, his heart, and restore what the enemy has stolen. Renew his mind and give him a spirit of power, love and self control. When temptation comes, show him the way of escape and give him endurance to choose life. Forgive him for the deception and wash him clean by the blood of Jesus. Pour grace and wisdom upon his wife as she supports him, that she may speak truth in love, extend forgiveness as You have forgiven us, and be his helper and encourager without carrying shame herself. Let their marriage be strengthened through this trial and let it honor You. We ask that both of them would draw near to Jesus daily, that they would be filled with Your Holy Spirit and walk in freedom and wholeness. We trust You for complete deliverance and healing, and we thank You that You are faithful to finish the work You have begun. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
