Page 88 - Overcoming Addiction

where we are cast upon Him to provide for us and deliver us. Being Spirit led will
actually promote fast spiritual growth among those involved in ministry. They will
quickly have to learn a sensitivity to the Spirit. They will have to rapidly attain
discernment and learn to exercise sound judgment.
It is perhaps helpful to note that in the Bible we never read of God anointing
a program, or ministry. His anointing is always upon people and ministers. This is
observed in the following verses.

I Kings 19:15-16
Yahweh said to [Elijah], "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of
Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over
Aram; and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and
Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in
your place.

When Yahweh wants some work done, He anoints people. The Spirit is the
anointing, and the Spirit is life. Life must be poured into that which it can
animate. Programs cannot be animated, but people can. There is no such thing as
an anointed ministry. There are only anointed ministers. If you have the best
designed program that can be devised, and it is not carried out by Spirit led and
empowered people, then it will not produce life.
Any ministry to those struggling with addiction, must of necessity teach
those seeking help to hear God’s voice for themselves. Their victory will come as
they hear and obey. This instruction in discerning the voice of Christ must be a key
part of any ministry to addicts. How can they be instructed to discern the voice of
Christ if the ministers are not discerning His voice themselves?
We see then, both by the history of Israel, and the example of Christ, that
Yahweh would have us to be a Spirit directed people. He wants us ever abiding in
Him. The more dependent we are upon Him for all things, the more we will see
Him manifesting His power through our lives.
As you seek to know what specific steps to take in order to overcome your
addiction, you must look to God. He will give you specific instructions. Some He
will tell to relocate that they might get away from evil influences. Others He will
tell to remain where they are at. Some He will tell to change occupations. Some He
will instruct to take actions that would make no sense to another, but which are
necessary in their own life. The Spirit may instruct you to attend a church that you
had not been attending, or to quit attending a church you had been. Whatever our
battle plan is in overcoming addiction, we must receive it from the Spirit of Christ.