Hello Beloved,
I want to speak to you today about a struggle that many face but few feel comfortable talking about—addiction to nicotine, whether from vaping or tobacco use. As someone who walked through this battle myself for half of my life, I understand the power of this temptation and the grip it can have on a person’s life. I have been there—caught in the cycle of addiction—and only recently was I delivered from this shackle, in Jesus’ name. There is no shame in this struggle. The journey to freedom begins with acknowledging the issue and surrendering it to the LORD. 🙏
If this is your battle, you are not alone. Christ has already won the victory over sin and addiction, and He can and will help you break free from this stronghold. There is power in the name of Jesus! 💪✝️
The Harmful Effects of Nicotine and Tobacco
It is no secret that nicotine and tobacco use cause great harm to our bodies. While nicotine might offer some very specific and short-term benefits in certain medical situations, the delivery methods available—vaping, cigarettes, chewing tobacco—carry great risk. Most of the time, nicotine and tobacco are poisoning the body. 🧠💔
Research has consistently shown that tobacco use is linked to a wide array of health issues, including lung disease, heart disease, and cancer. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. 🚬💀 Vaping, while marketed as a safer alternative, is also harmful. Studies indicate that vaping can cause lung damage, increase the risk of heart disease, and may even damage the immune system. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021)
What you may not realize, beloved, is that these substances don’t only harm your physical body—they can also negatively impact your spiritual well-being. The Bible calls us to honor God with our bodies, for they are temples of the Holy Spirit:
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) 🙌✨
Nicotine addiction, like any other addiction, can hold us in bondage. It clouds our judgment, leads us into temptation, and prevents us from living fully in the freedom Christ offers. But the good news is this: Jesus can break any chain. 🙏
My Personal Journey: Delivered from Addiction
For many years, I struggled with nicotine addiction. Like many of you, I turned to it as a coping mechanism, a crutch to help deal with stress, emotions, and life’s challenges. It felt like a never-ending cycle. I tried to quit many times, but each time I failed. I had no strength in myself to break free. 😔
But then, I cried out to Jesus. In His mercy, He answered, and I was delivered from that addiction. It wasn’t by my own strength, but by the power of Jesus Christ, the One who gives us victory over every form of sin and addiction. 🙌
I also thought deeply about the ones I love—the family, friends, and loved ones who depend on me. A woman I care for very deeply and love very much encouraged me to think about her every time I was tempted by nicotine. She said, “If you’re not going to do it for yourself, do it for me—and for Jesus.” Her prayers and fasting on my behalf played a crucial part in my deliverance. 💕🙏
In my quiet moments, I realized that I wanted to live as long as possible to be with them on this side of heaven, rather than shortening my physical life due to my own sinful choices and unhealthy habits. I knew I had to break free—not just for myself, but for them as well. Christ not only delivered me from addiction, but He also gave me a renewed vision of living for Him, with those I care for, for as long as I am called to remain. 🌅💖
The desire for freedom from nicotine wasn’t just for my own well-being, but also for the future I wanted with my loved ones, and for the life I am called to live for Christ. The chains of addiction were broken not because of my strength, but through the grace of God and the support of those who prayed for me. And I believe He can do the same for you. 🙏💪
Pray and Fast: Overcome Through Christ
Jesus told His disciples when they couldn’t cast out a particular demon:
“This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)
Some strongholds require prayer and fasting. I encourage you, if you are struggling with nicotine or any other addiction, to fast and pray. Seek God earnestly. Ask for His help in overcoming this temptation. Jesus wants to deliver you. 🙏
Through prayer and fasting, we can break the chains of addiction. We can ask God to replace the desire for nicotine with a passion for holiness and righteousness. This is a battle, but one that is already won in Christ. 🏆
Take Action: Overcoming One Step at a Time
Here are some practical steps to take as you surrender this struggle to the Lord:
- Pray Daily: Start each day in prayer, giving thanks to God and asking for His strength to resist the temptation of nicotine. ✨
- Fast: Commit to a season of prayer and fasting. Whether it’s one meal, one day, or more, let it be a time of intense seeking after God’s will. 🕊️
- Repent: Acknowledge the hold nicotine has had on your life. Repent, and ask God to cleanse you of any unrighteousness. ✝️
- Focus on Scripture: The Word of God is a powerful weapon. Meditate on verses that remind you of your freedom in Christ: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) 📖
- Seek Support: Reach out to others who can help hold you accountable in this journey. Whether through prayer or practical support, there is strength in community. 🤝
You Are Not Alone
Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. The LORD Jesus Christ is with you, and He has given you the power to overcome. Let us walk in faith together, trusting that the same God who helped me break free from nicotine will do the same for you. 🌟
May this journey bring you closer to Christ, and may you experience the peace that only He can give. ✨
With love in Christ,
Preacher Burnside
(Psalm 23:1) ✝️🌿
Founder, Burnside International Ministries: Proclaiming Christ, Transforming Nations ✝️ 🗺️
PreacherBurnside.com
For inquiries: preacherburnside@gmail.com 📧