Matt,
"(but I haven't touched a cigarette since 2000, praise God!),"
Let me share how I quit cigarettes. (I was a Marlboro man)
After being born of the Spirit I was immedietly freed from all the reefer and drugs I used to enjoy, bu I still smoked cigs.
After a while I found myself wanting to quit the cigs, but it would only last about a day or 2. I would always ask God to help me, but the cravings and nicotine fits would be so strong. I would always go back to them. I tried several times but would always go back.
Well, finally I decided to change my tact. I went to God in prayer and basically said....
"God, I've tried quiting with your help but I always go back. So, now I'm just going to ask you to deliver me from these things. Please DELIVER from them, Lord. Simply take them away. In Jesus name, Amen"
Then I went on smoking! But I meant every word of my prayer.
A few weeks after that I was sitting at home enjoying a smoke. And this thought came into my mind....
"Why I am smoking? This makes no sense. I asked God to deliver me, so He will. That means I'm a non smoker. So...WHY am I smoking, when I am a NON SMOKER???"
At that point I snuffed out that last ciggarette and have never had one since. That was almost 20 years ago. And get this.
I NEVER HAD ONE SINGLE NICOTINE FIT AFTER AFTER QUITTING THAT TIME.
No terrible cravings at all. Not a one.
I had been....DELIVERED!
God is soooo good! :thumbs:
:godisgood: