Study #12: “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”

John 15:5
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:9
...but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Working with addicts can be a very challenging and also a very rewarding experience. It is of the utmost importance for you to keep your eyes on Christ while ministering to anyone. He is the vine and we are the branches, and without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Remember that every individual has a different history, a different present, and a different future than anyone else in the world—just as each snowflake is its own masterpiece, our Creator created each one of us and He has the good plan in place (Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:1).

An addict (and often the family of an addict) does not see things from a normal set of eyes. Bear in mind that only God can remove the scales, which hinder spiritual, emotional, and mental sight. May we all have eyes to see and ears to hear. Selah. Another helpful hint for assisting the self-focused addict—whether it be to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, food, etc.—is that even when he or she is trying with all of his/her might, it is only God who can truly heal. We must always redirect our focus to Christ. One helpful way to refocus direction is by praying the “10-Finger Prayer,” which simply is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Finally, as St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, remember that when we are weak, God’s power is made perfect and is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As you embark on this journey, may you be a vessel for Christ to work through and may His love overflow in your heart, spilling onto all that cross your path. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• How does God ask me to minister to the addict? To his/her family?
• Why is it important for me to keep close to Christ while embarking on any ministry adventure? What measures can I take to make sure I am, indeed, doing so?
• What kind of boundaries might I need to have in place while ministering to someone who suffers from addiction?
• What are some ways I can verbally and plainly share the Gospel with an addict? How is the Gospel evident in my own daily life?

Rebecca O’Brien, USA