zeezrom and almaThis morning I read about two miracles that were seemingly instantaneous.  The first is in the scriptures in the Book of Mormon in Alma 15.  Zeezrom is physically healed immediately after he accepts Jesus.  Here is an excerpt:

 6. And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?

7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.

8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.

9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.

10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.

11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk…

I also read a modern story of a man named Roman Gutierrez, who is now a pastor who spent his teenage years as a drug addict, gang member, and in prison. He was declared dead twice and still lived.  When he was 25, he attended a church service and accepted Jesus.  He was healed instantly and didn’t have a desire to do drugs anymore.  Now he spends his life serving others in a ministry that helps youth realize they can have a better life.  Here is an interview with Roman:

Some Miracles (especially recovering from addictions) Take Time

When you read about miraculous stories in the scriptures, or learn about Roman’s story, someone who is struggling with addictions could either gain hope of delieverance, or I can see how it could be demotivating for someone who has turned their life over to God, but still struggles.  It is for all the rest of us who don’t have instant miracles that I write this.

Many of you have read my book, Discovering Light: 12 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety and Depression without Medication.  While my main focus in the book is how I overcame anxiety and depression, I also spend some time discussing some addictions that I had and needed to overcome as well.

I struggled with addictions for a number of years and was proud, not willing to admit I had a problem.  For years, I damaged relationships and used people to feed my addiction.  When I came to realize I had a problem, I tried to fix it myself for a few years, but I would continue to fall.

One day I felt prompted by God to visit a friend and when I visited her, we talked.  I discussed frustrations with myself in succombing to the addictions yet again and she told me she thought I needed to go through a 12-step program.  I was ready to listen and I started the program.  For me, healing didn’t take place immediately, even after I turned my will over to God.  However, I received strength one step at a time and through a series of “little” miracles and graces from God, I was able to be healed within 2 years from meeting with my friend.

Now I serve as a volunteer for our church’s 12 step addictions recovery program as a facilitator.  It is awesome to see people at various stages of their recovery.  Some of them have been struggling for years and are making their first effort to fight the addictions they face.  Others such as myself have experienced recovery and are working to help others in their journey and our continued journey of sobriety.  In all phases, we feel the healing power of Jesus in our lives and know that He is there every step of the way and it is humbling to witness and experience.

If there are any of you reading this who are struggling, I encourage you to keep taking steps of faith towards recovery.  Heavenly Father and Jesus are there for you no matter how many times you fall.  Just like Art Berg said in his book.  Some miracles take time.

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