We usually walk away from our problems instead of standing in them to they are over. In the past, I would walk way from my problems and resist the persecution unlike ever before. Instead of withstanding the evilness that was in front of me, I would depend on substance to get me through. Crying out to God was all I needed to overcome. When obstacles came my way, God revealed to me what to do. When people use to judge my lifestyle, I use to try to argue with them about who I was. Now when this occurs, I just listen and do not respond to the evilness of others. God kept reminding me of why I began to use substances in the first place. The reason I used, was a result of what others had said. Their comments really hurt, which left an anger inside me, was I any different than them? Since, I began to listen rather than defend, God has really dealt with my persecutors. Therefore, I no longer use because the pain they caused is no longer felt by me. I am finally happy without the use of a substance as a result of God! Most recently, my persecutors have asked me for help because of what God has done with my life. Just remember, we all use substances for a reason.
I am glad that you have found some sort of security and happiness in God. I totally agree with that, if you have a personal relationship with God and if you have such a huge faith in Him, whatever happens or whatever comes, you know He won't ever let you down.
Interesting. You are different in a way. But someone like yourself might not see this until much later. Your light is brighter, you are a better person than they. We never think that way though. These kind you are referring to live miserably. Persecution and evilness of others. They, I suppose are basically good, but, evil overcomes them. They give in. Too bad for them. What they do to themselves is far worse than what they do to you. Might not seem that way, but it is. Now they are asking for your help. The tables turned. The table always turns. It's a great expression. I always feel like I treat people as well as I can. Do the right things. It's just better that way. Not everyone lives their life that way. Sometimes you feel like what's the point of being good, but, there is a reason. It's always good to remember when confronting evil that it's your world, your universe, your table that they are sitting at.
You should never, ever let other people make you feel inferior! You are God's creation, and God doesn't create garbage. Just ignore the bad comments and develop a thick skin so that you will be unaffected by their comments. If you let the comments get to you and use drugs because of it, then you will just be on the losing end.
In reality we cannot please everyone and that is the way of life. But if you have that spiritual belief and personal communication with God you will not worry even if other people will judge you and will say something bad that will hurt your feelings and will make you feel down. Just continue to have that faith in your heart and just ignore the things you will hear from them. What is important is you know your real self and God is your great defender in your life.
I'm not particularly religious myself, so I cant really comment from that perspective. But I try not to judge others - I never know what sort of experiences they've had in life, and it would be ignorant for me to think I knew them to judge them. Plus, it's not like I myself am a perfect person - I certainly have my fair share of faults so judging others would be silly for me to do! If people judge me, I try to ignore it. Usually if someone is judging you it says more about their character as a person than it does about you
past is history, however, we cannot simply ignore the past. We are the byproducts of the past. We are here because of the past. Thus, you cannot run away from out past. We need to analyze our past so that we can move forward in future.
I try to look back at the past not to see how bad things were, but to see how far I've come. I think the past can help put the present in perspective.
At the risk of sounding surreal, I have to state that things are first spiritual before they manifest in the physical including addiction. When you find refuge in the Creator, you control the spiritual realm hence the physical. I have long learnt not to define myself based on the standards set by others since we are all imperfect beings.
Yes! God can become that comforter that helps us get through the judgment of the present time. In God, we are absolutely victorious!
I am glad that you have found guidance through God. I think having faith of any kind can certainly help a person, whether it be religious faith or faith in one's self. The thing is, it's hard to have faith when you're addicted. You cannot think right, you cannot rationalise situations and you let your emotions take the best of you. At least with me, that's what obstructed me from having faith in the Lord. It took me a while before I was able to accept that yes, there is a problem and I need to do something about it. You are right though, in our darkest times, only God can help us. When people judge us, it is only God that won't judge us. So in time, I was able to revert back to my religion and to my faith in God. Through Him, I was able to let go of my past and move on with my life. Don't get me wrong, the journey to recovery was difficult. But with Him beside me, it just has been better. I wish more people can read this thread and be enlightened. Even if everyone around you has left, there's still God. Even if people has become judgmental, one person won't judge you and that is God. We need to learn to have faith when we're at our lowest points in our lives. It's not just the good times that we have to remember God, because believe me, He can help us even at our worst points in life.
What an awesome story! Thanks so much for sharing. People will definitely take you down. And Higher Power is sometimes all I have to cling to when times get tough like that. A fictional book I just finished actually had this concept in its story line. It showed the main character having her spiritual awakening of sorts when she realizes her bullying co-worker is actually just a childhood sexual abuse survivor. The CSAS doesn't yet understand how she's repeating her mom's sick behaviors nor why she isn't getting the results she wants from her life.
Wow! I'm really inspired by your @crc3thebest life story. Your faith, your beliefs and your confidence to share how God has worked in your life is highly commendable. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.
Well, we shouldn't let our past misdeeds define us. What we should do is learn from them and and see to it that we do not commit the same mistakes. People will always judge, but just as long as you are not doing anything wrong, to hell with their opinions. Just keep walking the right path. You're good, and you're doing great. Keep at it.
This is great! Sounds like the power of the Holy Spirit has given you the power to refrain from the negative attributes that substance abuse often brings out. The thing is, without God, we (the human spirit) is not strong enough in our own strength to deal with the struggles of drug & or alcohol abuse. I'm glad you were courageous enough to call on a higher power. You're on the right track now & just know that your past is just your past and everyday you awake is a new day and opportunity to explore all meaningful & positive endeavors. All the best to you going forward.
This is so true, many who are persecute may not use alcohol, but other substances. Overeating, food is also another addictive substance, but some don't see it that way because it does not make you drunk! People use all kinds of stuff to make them feel better. I am so glad that you have overcome your addiction and that God answered you when you cried out to him. He always does.