How do you quit addiction?

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How do you quit an addiction? We've all heard stories of people being set free from an addiction, but how does that happen? When I was younger, I would play video games all of the time. And not that video games are bad, but I'm just sharing an addiction that is acceptable, because if I mentioned other ones we've really struggled with, it'd probably get pretty awkward. But stick with me for a minute, because I was so addicted to this, I had no social life. I couldn't think about anything but video games. I'd also do it late at night, so I wouldn't get shamed for it. For 15 years. But then I came across something that actually set me free from it, and it was this phrase right here: Where there is no revelation, vision from God, people cast off restraint. Okay, but how does that apply to addictions? Well, think of it this way. If I were to put a dollar bill on a table in front of you and say it's yours, do you want it? Well, of course you'd take it. It's a free dollar bill. There's no reason you'd say no to that. Unless, if on the same table I also placed a million dollars and said you could have your choice, you'd say no to the one dollar bill and obviously take the million, right? We often do this with our addictions, because we only see the one dollar bill, not having the vision to see that there's actually a million dollar option. So, how do we get vision from God to see that one million dollar option? Three ways that worked for me. The first way is the second half of that verse I just read you. But blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction. What's wisdom? The Bible. Tons of million dollar options in here, where God is telling you, "I have this for you." And I know it can be a lot, but God's not saying, "If you read this whole thing, I will give you the million dollar option." He wants to bless you right now by simply starting. My pastor once said it like this: Extraordinary acts of God start with ordinary acts of obedience. So, just pick a Bible reading plan and just see how God moves. Two, we often try to quit our addictions by quitting our addictions. Meaning, we just try to say, "I'm not going to do it anymore." But then the situation changes, we get cravings, and we find ourselves back in it. But my pastor once said this: If you release a dog into the backyard next to a busy street, what would happen? We all know. But, if you placed a fence in that backyard, what would happen? We all know. They'd be safe. So, sometimes boundaries can be a blessing. We We often see them as somebody forcing us to be restricted, but in the dog analogy, it's just keeping us safe. So, for me practically, sometimes I would delete or sell my favorite video game to reduce the craving to go do it whenever I want it. Three, do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves, do what it says. The Bible's going to suggest boundaries, but also tell you about how we can't do this by ourselves cuz we're going to keep feeling shame and guilt and all this stuff. But God sent himself as Jesus to die for our mistakes. Pastor Steven Furtick said it like this, Jesus died as if he sinned so that we could live as if we didn't. So, how do we quit our addictions? Now, I know addictions run very deep, especially when it's chemically, emotionally, physically involved. But, if you could see that million-dollar option, wouldn't you take it over the $1 addicted option? It's not easy, but scripture says God's strength is made perfect in your weakness. You got to trust him to walk you through it, but we have to be the ones to take those steps forward. I am praying for you today. God knows what you need and he's with you even in the middle of doing that addiction. He still loves you and is always presenting that option. We just have to be willing to look to see it. God bless you, friends.