What is the cost? Is it only what I have paid? What about the long term effects? Do I care? Much sorrow, strife, and loss of family and property should be included in our calculation of the cost. Are you willing to pay the total cost?
In the Word of God, the Bible, we read of the warnings, consequences, and a remedy for the total cost. “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1 NIV). Jesus says “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Many respectable people have ruined their lives through the use of alcohol. It has brought about the abuse of their families, stealing, murdering, and unfaithfulness to marriage vows.
Many young husbands and wives look forward to a life of companionship and trust, only to have alcohol shatter the possibilities of a happy life.
Alas, that first drink was carelessly and casually taken. Too little thought was given to the future. As time went on, more and more alcohol was needed to alleviate the unending stresses and pressures of life. Misunderstandings, arguments, and feelings of not being appreciated became more and more frequent, until hope for anything better disappeared. Alcohol became a crutch to get through these problems. Money that the family needed in the home was spent on drink and was gone. Finally it seemed alcohol became the only answer to the many problems. It temporarily blurred or blocked out worries and frustrations of life. But with the return of sobriety, the problems just multiplied along with the desire for another drink. The users of alcohol have been captured by it and become its servant, wounding themselves and others. They seem to be on an endless road—without any hope. But wait! There is hope and an answer for that terrible thirst.
Jesus Is the Answer
Jesus offers water that satisfies the thirst of man. While Jesus was on earth, He met a woman who had come to a well for water. He told her He could give her water that would satisfy her, and she would never thirst again. Every soul of man thirsts for this satisfying water, for it heals the soul. (John 4:5-26)
God has a beautiful way. He says: “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Revelation 21:6). Jesus is that living fountain. Come to Him just as you are. Tell Him that you are unable to help yourself. Tell Him that you now realize that it will take Him to deliver you from the devastating grip of alcohol. You know from past experience that willpower alone is not enough to overcome this intense temptation.
Come to God as a sinner and repent of your selfish and sinful life. Believe that God will have a way for you. You will find the grace to completely surrender to Him. The blood of Jesus Christ will wash away your sins and you can receive the promise found in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” When God forgives, He does not leave us empty but fills our hearts with love and grace.
When the love of God has filled your heart, a deep satisfaction and contentment will come over you. You will be his child. Your spirit will be free and open, and you will have an assurance of salvation. You will know one to whom you can go in confidence when tests and difficulties come. As your spiritual thirst is satisfied, there will be strength to deal with the desire and craving of alcohol. The wounds can be healed, and the scars that remain will serve to remind you of God’s marvelous grace. Won’t you come and drink of that living water? “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
It is very important to continue to seek God’s will in all areas of your life. Church fellowship can be a haven where you can find support in the trying times that will surely come. God would like to replace the unwholesome comradeship of the past life with new companionship. The fellowship of Christian people will help you to find direction for the future and support when temptations assail you.
The choice is yours—will you let Jesus be the answer to your drinking problem? Or will alcohol continue to cause much heartache in your life? The remedy is in Jesus.