Romans 8:18 ' For I reason that this temporal suffering is not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.'

There are many of us that are suffering from painful or disabling ailments. We have many reasons to complain, have pity parties, and WHOA IS ME!! But as Christians, we should not complain, but use it as a testimony.

I have suffered for most of my life with depression and anxiety, along with severe acne, and tons of back issues. These combined have at one time led me into using pain medications inappropriately. I knew better, but I fell into that temptation and it overcame me. My addiction may not have been as severe as others, but for me it was enough to shut down my relationship with Christ.

I knew that this addiction have become my "idol" and that the only way out was through the blood of Jesus. So on one Sunday morning on the way to church I prayed with all that was in me for God to heal this sickness and make me right before Him again.

And boy did He hear that prayer!! As service began, our service leader asked if anyone would like to give a testimony. A few people had stood and took their turn, and all the while I kept feeling the Lord tell me to stand and ask for prayer. Finally, I stood, shaking and full of fear.

I wept before the church and spilled the beans about the addiction I had after an injury I received that gave me the pain meds. The church gathered around me and prayed. I felt the Lord release some tension and suffering, but I knew I was not yet set free.

The service continued with others standing and confessing sins and asking for prayer!! WOW!! That is a hard thing to do!! People were set free that morning!! One lady who NEVER stands up and is quiet as a mouse stood up and said she smoked cigarettes her whole life and wanted free. I felt to go and pray for her, get my focus off myself and pray for someone else.

Not even a few minutes into praying for her need, I felt the Lord come over me and wash me clean. I began to scream at the top of my lungs and started to weep in anguish. God was removing my sin, guilt, shame and grief. I was being set FREE!!

Today, 8 months later, I am still FREE. I still have back pain, and I take my meds like I am supposed to, just like the doctor prescribed. But I asked to doctor to put me on something that was narcotic free and less addictive. The meds do not work as great as the other stuff does, but I refuse to go back to that pit I was stuck in.

I will deal with my suffering for the glory that is to come.

If you are struggling with the weight of addiction and sin, I understand. Please feel free to email me, and I will pray for you. All information is kept confidential!! Please, don't suffer alone!!