Courageous Steps to Reframe Life and Live in Freedom From Alcohol
Guest Post By April Walters
Are you like me? Do you believe in God, but struggle with the allure of culture trying to convince us living a life of righteousness is boring, and following God ruins your fun? Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This is my story of how I dismantled culture’s lies and walked through the door of freedom into the light of life filled with genuine joy.
I woke up with the all-so-familiar thought pulsing through my head. How did I get here again? I promised myself this time would be different. Tears streamed down my face. My heart felt uneasy. I was going to be sick. I was trying hard to remember... what had happened the night before? What conversations did I have? How did I act? Was there anything I needed to apologize for? Shame overwhelmed me. I wanted to hide. I had to ask for forgiveness yet again, knowing full well nothing would change.
Just because we have freedom,
does not mean we should continue in our sin.
Romans 6:15-18 (paraphrase)
Alcohol was like a dirty ex-boyfriend who kept me coming back for more. He would whisper in my ear, “Remember me? We have such a good time together. I make you feel like the ‘true self’ you wish you were. I give you the confidence you don’t have. You need me. You can’t live without me. People won’t like you on your own.” There was absolutely no way I could imagine living apart from alcohol.
Questions constantly battered at the door of my mind and heart. Would people accept me not drinking with them? Would I have any fun? Would the Lord provide where alcohol had propped me up? I knew I had to change, but I had no idea how.
January 10th, 2019 was my 36th birthday. I had gone over to my friend Kellie’s house, and she blessed me with a birthday cupcake and great fellowship. I told her I was thinking about leaving alcohol and was so tired of the effect it had on me. She asked me, “What if you just leave alcohol behind? What if you decide not to drink again? What if you simply walked through the door to freedom?”
Two days later was the last time I would ever drink. I put on my going-out clothes for the night, headed to a friend’s 40th birthday celebration. These friends knew how to throw a party. There would be no shortage of alcohol. I remember my hand shaking as I put on my mascara beforehand. I didn’t trust myself. I heard the familiar whispers, “You deserve a night out. Have a good time. Let go. Plus, you know God will forgive you.”
This is where my life took a dramatic turn. The Lord had finally led me to a place of being disgusted with the destruction I was afflicting on myself. I couldn’t stand living a double-minded life any longer. I could not care for my family with my whole heart. I could not be a witness for Him by the way I was living. Worst of all, I was sabotaging my relationship with the Lord by continuing to sin intentionally.
I took a step of faith to live alcohol-free. First, I committed to read the Bible and pray almost every morning. I have found the book of Proverbs especially helpful. Second, I connected to a Christian counselor and had the support of Kellie and my Bible study group. Last, through the power of prayer, I believe He led me to Annie Grace, who completely changed my entire view of alcohol.
Searching on Google by typing in the words “living alcohol-free,” Annie Grace’s YouTube videos popped up first. I watched one after another. She described how alcohol makes you feel and why it makes you feel that way. She described the chemistry behind why alcohol is so addictive and why we feel like we need it. It all made so much sense.
I visited my local bookstore, not even sure of what I was looking for. When I approached the section for addiction the very first book sitting face-out on the shelf was by (wouldn’t you know it) Annie Grace called, “This Naked Mind - Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life.” It was like God saying, “April, pick up this book.”
After taking her “30 Day Challenge,” I just kept going. Recently, I celebrated my 2-year anniversary of being alcohol-free. But not just free from alcohol, but free from the bondage of alcohol. Alcohol was an obvious gateway sin which led to other poor choices and circumstances. The Devil was using alcohol to kill my relationship with the Lord, steal my dignity, and destroy my potential ability to make a difference for God’s kingdom.
By choosing to be obedient to God in this area of my life, I have children who will now be able to depend on their Mommy at all times. I have a husband who has complete confidence in his wife, and her strong relationship with the Lord. No longer having alcohol to numb me from life’s challenges, I now press into God instead. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it! My life is more fulfilling, and I am seeing how God is using me for His kingdom’s purposes.
I want to encourage you, just as Kellie did for me, to choose to listen to what God wants for you, and trust He has your best interest at heart. If you are hearing Him through my story, you can make this your story too. Walk through that door. Freedom is worth every step.
April, thank you for taking courageous steps to
reframe your life, share your story, and offer hope for others.
I'm so proud of you!