Last Chance For Recovery

Last Chance For Recovery

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the LORD. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises.” Hosea 14:1-2

“I have to confess why I’m here,” Micah said before I could even introduce myself. “I’ve been in five different rehab units, and I’ve been kicked out of three pain clinics.”

My first instinct was to say, “I’m not sure I can help you,” but before I could get the words out of my mouth, he continued.

“Please listen. I know this sounds crazy, but I sincerely believe this is my last chance, and I really want to make this work.”

Overcoming an addiction to drugs and alcohol is difficult work. Micah had tried eight times, and each time he had failed, but something in his voice told me he was sincere and repentant for the mistakes he’d made in the past. I wanted to be the one to help him move past his failures and see success.

We started by working him through withdrawal. Next, he signed up for a twelve-step program and began attending meetings every day. It was hard work, and there were days when I honestly didn’t think he’d make it. But he fought the urges and persisted.

His first sober coin from Alcoholics Anonymous was the hardest for him to earn. Over the next few years, each milestone he achieved was only slightly easier. He obtained each coin by battling his demons in hard-fought victories.

When he received his five-year coin, he came by the office to show it to me. It was the longest sober streak he’d ever had. But unlike the partying he’d done to celebrate in the past, this time “the hard stuff” had a whole new meaning. After five years of hard-won perseverance, he celebrated this milestone with cake, ice cream, and a root beer.

TODAY’S RX

Don’t ever give up. It’s never too late for God to pull you through.

Father, you are powerful to move mountains. Please move this mountain in me. Only with your help can I make progress toward a healthier life.