The chief told the young brave that to become a man he had to climb the highest mountain and return the next morning. While climbing, the brave noticed a rattlesnake lying near a rock. He heard the snake hiss and say, “I’m cold and lost. Please pick me up and carry me back to the valley where it is warm. If I stay here I will die.”

The brave came close and said, “I know your kind is deadly. You will only bite me if I pick you up.” The snake said, “Oh, I’ve bit others, but I won’t bite you. I will be your friend if you carry me down the mountain. I won’t hurt you.”

The boy thought it over and decided he could help the snake. So he picked up the snake and carried the snake all the way down to the valley. As he gently placed the snake on the ground, the snake bit him. The boy screamed, “You bit me! You promised that you wouldn’t bite me. Now I’m going to die!” With an evil hiss, as he slithered away, the snake said, “You knew exactly what I was when you picked me up.” This is a sad story that is often repeated in the lives of many men. Many fall into addictions believing at first that they can handle it.

Once hooked, it's never easy to quit. But if you've already suffered negative consequences from an addiction and don't want it to get worse, there's never been a better time to quit than right now. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

To remain strong against an addiction you have to stop thinking about people, places, and things you used with. Stop glamorizing your past use, don’t lie, don’t hang out with old friends that have the same addictions, don’t fantasize about using, don’t think about relapsing or plan your relapse around other people’s schedule and finally and most important, get help from a mental health professional, a counselor, a friend or an addictions group. Jesus tells us in Luke 4:18 that he came to set at liberty those that are oppressed. He also said that if the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.

Pray that God would set you free from all chains and addictions. Father in heaven I come to you in the name of Jesus asking for strength right now. Lord you died to set me free and you promised that if I confess my sins they will be forgiven. Lord, give me the gift of the Holy Spirit the power over every addiction and over anything that tries to hurt me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.