And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
In Matthew chapters 4—9, Jesus demonstrated the healing power of God. Through Jesus, people were healed from mental disorders or tormenting spirits (mind), from physical dysfunction commanding the paralytic to take up his bed and walk (body), and by casting out devils from the dumb man who was possessed (spirit). As an extension to the dynamics of Jesus’ healing power, he rebuked the wind, and calmed the sea (community). There are many Gospel accounts of Jesus’ healing ministry. In each Gospel, Jesus demonstrated a holistic approach in each healing event.
Substance abuse affects the proper unison between mind, body, spirit, and community. The first human characteristic that suffers when addiction sets in is spirituality. Addiction alters everything in one’s being. This type of affliction is described in Matthew 4:24 (KJV) as “divers diseases.” It is a diversity of illnesses.
We are all commanded by Jesus to do the same in our communities. Matthew 9:37 (KJV) states that “the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
As a recovering person from drugs for more than 15 years, God has placed it upon my heart to redirect my attention to now serve those who are challenged with substance abuse issues. For many years, I ran from this calling, because I did not want to be reminded of what happened to me. The emotional pain and embarrassment associated with substance abuse was too unbearable for me to face. I distanced myself
from everything associated with substance abuse, yet there was a constant tugging on my heart to serve God’s people who are in recovery. I accomplished many great things, but I did not have peace of mind, prosperity in my spirit, and healing in my body.
Recently, I submitted to God’s direction for my life and completed an internship at Theressa Hoover United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, where I worked with substance abusers. What I witnessed, after six weeks of training, was healing in duality. Not only did the treatment program’s residents receive healing
from my work with them, I also was being healed. The time I spent running from my past was also the time I spent running from my healing. I realized that I had not allowed the spirit of God to fully restore my mind, body, spirit, and community, even though I’ve been sober for nearly two decades.
The power of Jesus’ teachings is so prevalent today. There are diverse conditions of illness integrated within substance abuse. Just as Jesus went out to heal the sick, I came to the Hoover Treatment Center in a similar way to heal those who are sick and suffering from addictions. It aligned my spiritual path to renewed healing.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
• Can you think of ways you’ve limited God’s healing power in your life in recovery?
• Do you feel that you are healed in mind, body, and spirit? If not, what areas need healing?
• Do you accept your past, and if so, do you forgive yourself for what happened?
• Do you understand the mind, body, spirit, and community connection and how that relates to wholeness, health, and healing from addictions?
O’Dell Johnson, USA
Forgiveness is important but I do not think forgiveness of self until you understand and learn from your struggles. What did I learn and how can I use it to be what god wants? After all, our trials mold and make us as do our joys. God does not promise easy just that he will walk with us. How can we hear this companion if we are beating ourselves up? Forgiveness of self is a key, but it must be true and deep.
ReplyDelete