3 years sober today!

[Ohio Darin]

Thought I'd share my story. I was brought up Catholic always knowing and fearing God. I had no father in the house but had a special relationship with Jesus. When I was 6 yrs old I got drunk the first time hanging with the older kids. I remember them telling me how "cool" it was and so from there on I associated drinking with being cool. I snuck drinks here and there in elementary school and by jr./sr. high I was getting drunk every weekend. I remember one time going to our church festival and seeing the priest with a hawaiian shirt on two-fisting beers thinking that's "cool". When I reached college the drinking changed to practically every day. I was blessed to marry an incredible Spirit-filled woman that did not drink. She was brought up Pentecostal but became Catholic for me (that went over well with her family). We were typical Catholics for our parts where you only attended church on important holidays. After about 6 yrs of marriage it began to strain. My wife started attending a Vineyard church and a few weeks later I began to attend too. I remember I wanted to go to church sober and after about 5 weeks I finally did. In the message that morning I heard Jesus say "leave that and follow me". I knew he was talking to me and my drinking so that is what I did. I quit drinking and held on to Jesus. I made no fuss about it and didn't really tell anyone I had a problem or that I quit. Many people talk of 12-step programs but I like to say I took the 1-step program - the step of faith.

I remained sober for about a year and during this time I was baptized in water and in the HS. Our church built a new facility and the dynamics really changed. I was not mature enough of a christian to know God had other plans. Though there were hints and invitations to another church we just fell away from church completely. Before long I fell for the lie that one beer wouldn't hurt. That soon turned into a couple, then six and then a case a day. I was in worse shape than I was originally. I prayed and prayed for Jesus to take it away again to no avail. I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

One day I received a request from a client for a donation to his church for a function they were hosting. This the same church that had been revealed to me while I was still attending our old church. I figured I better look into the church a little more if I was going to make a donation. I noticed a drug and alcohol recovery group on their website and attended the very next meeting. I received prayer that night and have been sober ever since. I take no credit for my sobriety and and give Jesus all the glory. The only thing I have been good at is screwing things up and it took Him to fix it. A month later my wife and I started attending church there and now know we a right where God wanted us (unfortunately I had to travel my path instead of His). After attending the recovery group for 6 months I became one of the counselors and now co-lead the group with the gentleman that prayed for me. It's been awesome. God bless.

[Imatreehugger]

That's awesome!

[journeyman]

That is just great! Thanks for sharing.

[CamoMan]

Well done with staying sober . . . congrats ! In a battle with alcoholism, 3 years is almost an eternity. My father was a 'social' alcoholic - he didn't get drunk a whole lot, but most of what he did centered around bars and alcohol-related gatherings during my teenage years. Regardless of the 'type' of alcoholism - it all causes pain to the person and to all those around them. I applaud you for making the right decisions, and for letting God take charge. Keep it going !

[Gladiator]

Very nice Ohio Darin...very motivational. Again, proof that we can do things through Christ who gives us strength...

Congratulations!

[Ohio Darin]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I never saw myself as an alcoholic, however, I was a drunk. I am now a new creation in Christ that has been totally delivered. After that evening of prayer the stronghold was released and there has been no urges or temptations. Funny that we refer to beer and wine as spirits because that is exactly what it is. I was in a spiritual battle but the name of Jesus was enough to conquer all.

[Gladiator]

the name of Jesus was enough to conquer all

You got it...powerful.

[dbltree]

1-step program - the step of faith.

That says it all right there!! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony...awesome!!

[JMAC0501]

Great Testimony.
It's amazing what God can do when we finally turn it over to Him.

[dominator1]

Awesome story! I can relate to a bunch of things in your story. That's very encouraging.