I’m not really a drinker. I drink once in a while (for a birthday or special occasion) but drinking is not the norm for me. Then, I begam to hang around Christians, who frequently drink. It began to affect me where I started to just feel out of place again.
I’ve always been an odd person. My teachers all throughout my formative years would always say, “Julia marches to the beat of her own drum.” This set me apart from even my friends. When you love people and want to connect, you can be compelled to do things out of insecurity and desire for connection. Not out of conviction.
I began to say, “What’s the harm in having a drink here and there? “
I’m talking about a little bit, never a full glass of anything. I’d have a little bit, a quarter of it, to feel like I’m a part of this community. I like making others feel weird, and I certainly don’t want to be the weirdo, either!
I thought, “Maybe I’m being too strict. I don’t really have a drinking problem. It’s not a big deal to have a little bit.”
A long time ago, I felt God told me where He was going to take me, I must be set apart. I was designed not to be like others. There’s a big part of me that wants to feel a part of something. Even in my family, I’ve never felt accepted or connected. So there is this deep longing to be a part of something. When you have a drink with others, you relax and this makes other people relax. Drinking was more about people pleasing and blending in, my insecurities than an actual desire for alcohol.
A while back, I was struggling with not hearing the voice of God. The power, strength and clarity of hearing was less and less. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but I just kept pursuing Him and one day I felt God say, “Would you not drink?”
I answered back, “Why do other Believers get to?”
I was frustrated, feeling like I can never have fun like everybody else. Resenting always being the weirdo. God quickly responded, “You’re praying for big things, wanting incredible breakthroughs. Where’s your skin in the game?”
The Lord reminded me of a friend who struggles with a drinking problem. I felt him prompt me, “If you can’t do it for yourself, could you do it for your friend?”
This verse came to mind:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
In a second, God melted my selfishness and changed my perspective and priority. How could I pray against the Spirit of alcohol when I was flirting with it casually?That’s an interesting thing about love. It always calls us higher. The things that we couldn’t do for ourselves, when we care about someone, our love and compassion can muster strength on their behalf. That’s why relationships are vital. Because life isn’t about just us; it’s not just about what feels good or what makes us happy or what benefits us.Love helps us make decisions based on the betterment of the hearts around us. And, what is usually good for others will also be good for us. So, I went from interceding for this friend who has an alcohol problem to fasting from alcohol myself.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
This verse is SO true! I am seeing breakthroughs in my life! As I move out in obedience, I’m hearing the voice of God so clearly and feeling His amazing presence so strongly. I realized: “If you get drunk in the flesh, how can you ever feel the joy of the Lord?”
People complain, I don’t hear the voice of God. But, when God spoke to you, did you obey His voice? Because you’re going to hear God more when you obey. Do you think God’s going to waste His efforts and keep speaking to a wall? If you’re having a blockage of not hearing God, I’m telling you, it’s probably because you did not obey the last thing He said. We need to take full accountability and responsibility for our end of this relationship. We need to stop blaming God and start asking,
“Where did I miss it?”
The Lord spoke to my heart, “Listen. I’m not trying to take away your fun. But where I’m taking you, you can’t have those things. You’re giving up these little petty trinkets that everyone else enjoys for an upgrade. I’ll give you something far better.”
When you think of drinking, the whole point of it is to relax, laugh and have joy. Since giving this up, God has given me this new level of joy in the Lord, this bubbling up sensation in my spirit and soul.
It feels so good because you’re in his presence. It’s not the superficial, good time, a little bit relaxed, kind of worried about tomorrow but just pushing it off for a bit. It’s this real deep, joy bubbling up from my spirit. That’s what I’ve been getting. Now that I have been fully immersed in fasting from alcohol, (about five months)
I’m not saying that forever I’ll never have a drink on my birthday or something, but I am saying I’m afraid to risk this level of joy and hearing from Him for a moment of temporary pleasure. I am counting the cost and don’t think it’s worth the price.
A lot of times we just think, well, other believers are doing it. It’s got to be okay for me. We can never assume anything. We must bring everything to the Lord and ask, “Is this okay for me, Lord?” He may say, “Yes, but not now.”
We may not realize that someone who sees us may be struggling with alcoholism and our actions may be a stumbling block for them.If the wrong person sees me take one drink, I’ve subconsciously given him permission to do the same. I don’t want to be a part of that! I do not want my brother stumbling and going down a road that is already killing him.So, out of my love for even strangers, it would behoove me to do the more responsible thing. The more honoring thing is to maybe not have a drink.
What I do, is pray over my glass of water, “Holy Spirit, can you give me the joy of the Lord? Will you flow so thick that I don’t need wine? Fill me with your presence!”
Then in honor of others and the holy Spirit, I drink that glass of water. I know that sounds stupid and crazy for a lot of people. But I’m telling you there is eternal fruit on the other side of this sacrifice, because I am walking in another level of joy and anointing in the things God is calling me to do, that I did not have before I made this commitment.
You know, there are things we want as believers. We want this so bad, but are we willing to sacrifice or do we just expect God to do it all? Where is your skin in this game?
This channel is about empowering you for that incredible abundant life, and I’m not talking about being a millionaire and like having a bunch of Lambos. am talking about God taking your peace to that next level, your finances to satisfaction your marriage fully blessed.
“Seek ye first, the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Sometimes we are so focused on the things we want, we miss the Lord. If we keep our focus on him, God takes care of those things on our behalf. He does it for us. Don’t miss out on the memories and the joy of doing things with God! I want to end with this encouraging verse and a prayer to overcome the Spirit of Alcohol:
“The blessing of the Lord-it makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
“Heavenly Father,
You’re the foundation of my faith, but I need you to be the foundation of my joy.
Without realizing it, I’ve allowed another spirit to affect mine.
I release my fear of sobriety.
You have called me to be sober and vigilant, for the enemy of my soul is looking to destroy me from the inside out.
Today, I lay down my desire. My anxiety. My fear of fully engaging in life.
I exchange these things for the Joy of the Lord to be my strength.
Remove the roots and generational strongholds with my simple decision to turn from alcohol and give myself fully to you.
Lord, you have riches that will not add sorrow, disease, destruction, corruption, compromise and deceit in my life and relationships.
I want to fully engage my heart, body and mind into this one life you’ve given me.
I declare I will steward it well and do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
You’ve given so much. You’re worthy of this small sacrifice. Take my life and use it to declare your goodness and freedom to others.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”
