Jesus is all about recovery. “The Father has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). For three years, Jesus discipled 12 aimless men, whom he left behind to build something we now call the church. Jesus was all about setting people free–from chains, sickness, and strongholds. Jesus was, and is, all about recovery. In reality most of us - especially addicts - are more comfortable with the familiar sickness than an unfamiliar solution. It is uncomfortable, scary and painful to face the root of our issues. But the trade off is freedom in recovery.

The story of Lazarus is one of recovery and hope. His friends came to Jesus with sad news: “The one you love is sick” (11:3). That’s good news for each of us who suffer. Jesus loves sick people. He does not just love us after our addiction, but in it.

Jesus said so himself: “Lazarus is dead” (11:14). Four days later, he was still dead (11:17). But hear Jesus’ said “This sickness will not end in death” (11:4). He never said Lazarus wouldn’t die. He said it wouldn’t end there. God gets the final word and to me that is HOPE!!!

Nothing is not sifted through Jesus' hands and He has said "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

Jesus cares about sick people. Those of us who have risked everything at the altar of our addictions are the definition of sick people. But there’s still hope for each of us. Jesus is for addicts, more than any person who ever lived. You can get well, but only if you do it his way. In desperation you’ll find hope and in honesty you’ll find a life you have only dreamed of.

Father: We thank you for loving and healing the sick. We know this is a daily battle and you see our pain. Help us to be strong and brave. Make our only addiction be you. Amen